I said I was going to use this blog to record my life at university on a games design degree, posting about my experiences and thoughts on game design as well.

The fact I haven't yet is testament to how much university has affected my life, how busy I have been, and how much fun I have been having.

I'm now on week 5 or 6, it's gone by so quickly I'm not even 100% sure. I've taken part in a variety of activities, some curricular, some extra-curricular, made some fantastic friends already, and our little group, as I like to call it, have been making many plans involving websites and possibly gaming societies. Besides doing the studying thing, I had the opportunity this week to take part in a university sponsored event where high school kids were introduced to game design and programming workshops and then a presentation by three local game industry professionals, all three representing different branches of the games industry; art, programming and design. Their talks were really interesting, but the volunteers and staff had a chance to mingle and talk to them afterwards. I say talk, I didn't really ask them anything, as it was far more fascinating to hear their opinions on the industry, what games they like, what they think are the current trends and what is important, etc.

I think it was that event in particular that made me think "Oooh, I'm not just studying games for fun, I'm doing this to enter the games industry, and actually, it's very interesting industry at that!" and it fired my enthusiasm as never before.

This weekend I will also be taking part in a small event working as a tester for another local game company, which I'm really looking forward to as it will be a invaluable experience, no matter how short it is. There is someone on our course who managed to arrange this opportunity for a few of us that works there as a tester full time, whilst also juggling assignments. I don't think I could do that myself, but his dedication will definitely provide him with a bucket load of experience.

Me, I feel like I've been whisked away to a fantasy land where the clouds are made of candy floss and gold falls from the sky! The only downside to loving university as much as I do right now is that I'm finding it hard to find time to play all these games that I've spent my student money on! ;)

But the best experience of all this has been the friends I have made. Without them, it would not be as much fun.

I'm kinda glad I didn't sign on at the gym though, because I would have totally given up on it by now. I may need it next year though, I've already eaten enough pizza to last the semester.

I will try and post more about games design, later, when I've played more Fable 2.

Need moar Fable!!