u/Content_Square_4766

How do you feel about Drexel's GDP program for someone interested in indie/narrative-focused development rather than AAA pipeline work? I'm currently deciding between Drexel and RIT for game design and I feel mixed about both of them.

I liked Drexel's enviornment/location much more and could see myself being there socially and creatively. I'm especially interested in narrative/philosophy driven games, indie-team development, personal projects, experimenting with Roblox + other engines/tools during college.

My biggest concern is whether the program feels too generalized compared to more technical programs like RIT's GDD program and too weak. I'm also a little worried about the emphasis on larger collaborative projects since I usually prefer smaller focused teams or solo work.

So wondering from anyone who's taken the major: how much creative freedom do you actually get? How strong are the technical skills you leave with for GDP? Do you feel supported if you want to pursue personal projects outside of class? What are the biggest strengths/weaknesses of the program?

(Condensed vers. of OG post bc doesn't fit guidelines)

TL;DR: I'm trying to decide between RIT's and Drexel's GDD program. I'm very interested in narrative/philosophy-driven indie game development and solo or small team projects rather than AAA pipeline work. RIT feels stronger technically and safer long-term for my future, but Drexel feels more socially livable and creatively aligned. I'm worried about regretting whichever one I don't choose and am looking for perspectives from people in these programs, adjacent or anyone who has good advice on something like this.

Long Version:

Reddit might not be the best way to get advice but I'm desperate for opinions since I'm notoriously indecisive 😭I'm currently stuck between RIT’s Game Design & Development program and Drexel’s Game Design & Production program, and I genuinely cannot decide. I've researched both heavily yet I still feel conflicted because they both align with different parts of me

RIT pros: Stronger technical/programming foundation, feels more specialized and structured for game development, better for becoming self-sufficient, easier to pivot careers if needed, strong co-op reputation, MAGIC Spell studios seems really incredible and much more serious than most university game programs, I like that projects seem more driven by smaller focused groups and individual initiative, I have a 4+1 option from them, feels safer for my future

RIT cons: I honestly don't love the environment/vibe (and I hate the cold), feels VERY tech-heavy, campus felt isolated, 6 hours from home, I'm not super interested in hardcore engineering/programming culture, I care more about philosophy/narrative/emotional experiences than purely systems/mechanics, I worry that I might struggle socially there

Drexel Pros: I liked the environment and location much more, only about an hour from home, more design/narrative/art-oriented atmosphere, feels more multidisciplinary, EGS seems pretty cool, I could see myself there more than RIT

Drexel Cons: Worried program is too generalized, a lot of student projects feels less polished and ambitious than RIT's or what I want to make, heavy emphasis on large collaborative projects doesn't appeal to me, I'm more of a solo developer/small team person, I dislike the idea of being forced into production pipelines where I lose creative ownership, quarter system makes transferring later difficult, I'm worried I'd regret missing out on RIT's resources.

Basiclly, I don't see myself wanting a traditional AAA career long-term. I want to continue making Roblox games in college; Roblox is a crappy platform, but it arguably does a pretty good job at getting your game out there. I definitely will experiment with other engine/tools as well.

RIT feels safer for my future but Drexel feels safer for my happiness. No school is perfect, but I'm trying to figure out which environment would realistically help me grow most as both a creator and person. Also thanks sm for reading this yap fest ❤️