As you may have read from an earlier blog, I had an 'interview' and I can now reveal who it's for - Train2Game.
This interview is such a farce. It starts with signing up, then you get a call from their call centre who try to 'vet' you as a suitable candidate. Pretty much whatever you say will be turned into a positive spin to convince you both that it's something you want. They then arrange for an interview to be held at your home with one of their course administrators.
The salesman - I mean, course administrator, comes round and as long as they see you're willing to sign your life away then you'll pass this 'thorough' process (confirming name, address, telephone number, current job, reason for applying and which role you wish to apply for/which role they wish you to apply for). Again, as long as you have a bit of personality, you will be put forward to their reviewing panel.
Aparently this reviewing panel is done with course directors who'll review your application and as long as the administrator puts in a good word for you, you'll be accepted.
The second phase then begins with high pressure tactics to ensure you sign up. I did get fairly upset by the approach the administrator took when visiting the first time - basically flashing snippets from The Sun newspaper as fact on the state of the gaming industry and then showing me a 6 minute DVD about becoming an animator and how great TIGA (the gaming authority in the UK - who also run the Train2Game programme) are. If alarm bells aren't ringing at this stage then surely you should try to get a second opinion.
Thankfully speaking with my brother and looking about online, we find that actually Train2Game are a dictatorship and scam of the highest order. Sure you may get the tools of the trade and foot in the competitive games industry, but all that really matters is for them to sign up as many people as possible on the promise of giving you a foot in the door once qualified (and you can repeat any exams you fail until you pass them). I was told at the interview how the software they offer are worth about £10k and you can buy them at the end of the course for about £1500.
The main thing that stinks about all this is you are trying to get yourself up the first rung of a ladder and make a career for yourself. Being promised so many things is such an easy thing but when you're not left any paperwork to mull over and all they really want to do is call up to say "you passed the initial phase, congratulateions! Now we have to source the funding for your course..." and hey presto, they can give you a loan which you pay off in weekly instalments (around £40 a week). If you do the maths that's £6240 over the 3 years.
As I know through sales you break things down to the ridiculous level so that people are like 'wow what a cracking offer!' e.g. it works out as a box of fags or couple of pints a day!
After doing some research I find that the parent company offers loans. They also have a highly aggressive stance in terms of snuffing out any negative articles about their company or courses (hence the dictatorship comment previously). I'm sure they'll either try to snuff this blog out or monitor it or try to put out some convincing article.
Anyway to draw a line under this blog, the salesman who never introduced himself properly (i.e. he never mentioned his name) has called me repeatedly to try and sign me up to the course. The pressure became crazy with having an initial interview on Thursday, a call on Friday to say congratulations, now we need to sign you up and get the funding tomorrow (Saturday), to a few calls today (Sunday) to state we need to sign up on Monday as he's going to have to work on another area and the course process goes all over again.
The amount of conflicting reasons as to why I should sign up to it by Saturday (and now Monday) are shameful. Everything from "Your course position will be given to someone else who really wants it" to "You must sign up now to secure funding" and "I need to see you tomorrow as I'm working on another area and you're very lucky to be accepted onto the course!" with a touch of "You can't do this specialist course anywhere else and it'll cost you much more doing it at university" was adopted by the salesman.
Another thing worth looking into is how really accepted is the paperwork you're offered at the successful completion of the course? From what I can see, it's not anything too special but they (TIGA) would like you to believe so and of course if you flood the market with people who have these skills, the industry will tend to tow the line by taking them onboard - therefore making it the industry standard.
In truth, you can gain the skills for free online and if you adopt a disciplined approach and are dedicated, you'll be able to keep up with (or surpass) the standards this course offers.
So don't sign your life away with these scammers, you will find much more useful information about this company and its set up by digging around. I imgaine the real reason why they want you to sign up within days is to prevent you from looking around and securing another deal.
The salesman needs to change their tactics as he slammed the phone down on me when all I said was "If the course is open all year round, I may wish to sign up in a couple of months or whatever". Now poor customer service and bad attitude is something that takes nothing to address.
I only hope you find this in good time prior to signing up.
you just saved me alot of grief thankyou
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! Let me know how things go! I wish you every success in your goals my friend.
ReplyDeletelots of people are saying its a scam when infact its not i am curently taking the course the total price is £3100 and it took them 6 months to contact me and i was left with the first part of the course i went on the offical tiga website and they are in partnershop with train to game and city and guilds work with them i dont no where people are getting there information from but it is wrong
DeleteThanks, You have also saved me some grief, with your personal review and everything else i read, i decided its not worth the risk. I shall train myself, these days its the only way to learn anything effectively!
ReplyDeleteYeah at first I was thinking screw this, then the sales guy came over and ALMOST convinced me... He used such lines as "You've already done a course at university, and your degree is worthless cause you need a TIGA approved one".....
ReplyDeleteYeah I've heard similar stuff about these guys - bad news! My advice from what I know, stay clear!
ReplyDeleteThey seem to only rate their own self created qualifications (TIGA) and tell you that your qualifications in the real world don't count for anything. So take heart, your 3+ years at University or wherever have been worthwhile - just because some salesman with an attitude tells you the earth will stop moving because you've not got their qualification - they're lying and clearly you've got more things ahead of you that will cost you a lot less and waste less of your valuable time!
The money I am paying back is the correct amount £135 for 36 months equals £4860 also I have done alot of checking and these guys are legit. I talked to the woman who gave me her name and credentials and her number aswell. I recieved all coursework without paying a penny. They weren't pushy nor manipulative. Also Suzi Perry endorses it. Thats got to say something.
ReplyDeleteYeahhhhh. Not
DeleteHow lovely... should you be a legitimate blogger rather than an employee or affiliated member of Train 2 Game.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I too have done my research of this company and know how aggressively they tackle anyone who dares to challenge them and their 'authority' - usually through either threatening legal action to remove or shut down sites/posts etc. or by having anonymous posts (or indeed in some circumstances known employees either setting up fake accounts or using their real accounts to then post replies similar to yours).
Just a couple of points... IF you are a legitimate student who's had a positive experience - I'm glad you have had one and I wish you all the very best in your career.
HOWEVER, should you be, as I suspect, an affiliate of this Train 2 Game organisation, I'd kindly ask you and others to not waste my time or others any further.
A crucial thing to think about is if you are a happy student, why is it that you're trawling through blogs about Train 2 Game? Again to me, it seems to really put you firmly in the fake blogger camp.
Also with regards to Suzi Perry, I also saw her on the little promo video that I was shown along with the handbook (both of which I was not allowed to keep). The word endorse seems a little too enthusiastic to me, afterall, having been involved with the production of promotional videos you only need a big enough cheque book to get the loyalty of a big name or celebrity. Maybe she did this for free and I'm completely wrong, but the chances are, her time costs money and they're only too willing to pay! (I believe the rate was about £20,000 a day for a celebrity of her standing some 3 years ago when my company was looking to hire her for a promo video - but that's by the by).
Let's face it, it's unlikely George Foreman invented his grilling machine, but he's happy to promote it as he and the machine are now a massive enterprise.
Ultimately, I would like to remind you and all others, that there's no smoke without fire, and far too many find this set up to be costly both in terms of time, effort and money - without any guarantees of employment at the end!
I openly encourage freedom of speech and as such am invoking my rights without any prejudice or malice. In my opinion, it's a set up that only has money making at its heart rather than the progress of students! No one seems to benefit from the training apart from the organisation itself. Sure if you flood the market with hundreds or thousands of people trained in their way, of course it will become the standard, but there's a difference between McDonalds and a high end Michelin starred restaurant... both do the same thing, but one's bad for you and the other may be bad for you but at least it's remarkable and as such I would always suggest anyone going for the best and not just what seems the easiest route!
Oh my word. You are so far off as to barely make this worth replying to. You havent bothered to even find out how much the courses cost (or you 'did the maths' completely wrong). TIGA doesn't own Train2Game and you blatantly havent attempted to seek any resolution to your problems and prefer to just rant about it. I'm a student on the programming course and ive learnt a hell of a lot during my time so far. I've have had great support from the tutors, been to see them at Develop and Eurogamer, been to their free game jam and I'm currently in being assessed for a work placement they are looking to arrange for me. I'm sick of people like you who selectively 'research' and ignore huge amounts of information that contradicts your views just so you can have your little soap-box.
ReplyDeleteOh and if you want to know how I found this blog, you tweeted it with 'Train2Game' and a link in the tweet, not hard to work out really!
Just go on the T2G forums, there are enough students and pros on there that will set you straight. Perhaps I'll see you there.
I wish you would publish your name you f##king Snake. ^^ How desperate are you guys? They must have little piggies like you working around the clock to cover up any dirt about your Company. How much longer before enough people notice?
DeleteWhats funny is I typed 'train2game' into Google a couple years back and the default search suggestion was 'train2game scam' and had been searched in the millions ranking top. This is evident enough something wasn't quite right about this company, Sure enough I dug deeper and the cracks got bigger.
I am really shocked these people havn't been prosecuted yet.
Where's Sherlock when you need him.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add..the salesman who visited me made me feel very pressurized, hence, I phoned and emailed studios in my home town brighton such as Black Rock Studios. I have long email from several studios informing me they have not heard of train2game and would not consider employing someone with this qualification. Only one studio had heard of them but still would not see this as a high enough qualifications. I would be very happy to send these emails to someone so maybe they could attach them to this blog?
So pleased I did not sign up!
thanks alot everything you said was true they were pushy rude and didnt let me ask questions without telling me im basically a waste of space if i dont sign up avoid at all costs they show you a ladder of employment and make you feel bad that you aint at the top and make out you and your family need you to do this or they will hate you because your not as good as doctors or heart surgeons lol didnt leave any info on what my money would get me or even a number to contact them on so please dont fall for there pushy rude sales techniques good luck
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to post any findings or communication you have had from any of your 'salespeople' as this all makes interesting reading... I've received a few private comments from people too intimidated to post their emails and messages from Train2Game as they are fearful from any reprisals... This only adds more fuel to the fire in the general view of this organisation.
ReplyDeletewell TRAIN TO GAME IS A SCAM! a very disturbing one, the woman on the phone, tells me i should do animation and it will help me get a qualification for a job in the future because i did art at college and i was like okay cool, then the sales guy comes around, he dosent even know who i am, and then shows me a dvd, explains how good a tiga diploma is, then says my current qualification are worthless and says, you need to do this course it will open up new doors, then right after saying alot of mean things he says, right its 5 grand and then tells me its 30 pound a week and then im like erm okay cool, then he said if you dont get this degree, you will be doing nothing all your life and i was like okay ill do it! and then he comes around on a saturday, really early, my dad comes down, ( he knows a sales guy when he sees one) and started asking him loads of questions, basically, they ask for a lump sum of 100 qwid first, to " enter the course" but your payng 5 grand anyway, that 100 qwid if for him, and asoon as my dad said no we dont have 100 qwid he called me a dreamer and said thats im a disapointment and my dad chucked him out! SUCH A DISCUSTING SCAM! no way is home learning worth 5 grand, open universitys like 450 qwid or something like that for a better qualification that will actully get you far in life. traintogame is low. susan perry has been payed for some acting, and there not even approved by the goverment either. pssst scam all around.
ReplyDeletei was thinking bout doing a course with t2g but im really unsure now as ive been on a lot of forums & websites and opinions r diveded but i have to be really carefull as i dont have a job at this time so has any one done this course and at the end said it was a scam or they got a job placement and i dont know to trust the train2game forum thats not to say the good things ive heard r not from there forum but after reading ur comments i think it would be better to do a uni course as theres less risk so thanks for helping me decide
ReplyDeletethey were advertising on facebook as scottish games tester courses to which i filled out the form.over a month later recieved a phone call from a woman who sounded totally amazed that i play computer games and am good at them saying that id be perfect and an adviser would come around the very next day during afternoon to see me
ReplyDeletei found this strange that they would be so desperate.
well the woman arrived today never introduced herself at all she stayed for over an hour and a half basically saying things like your interested and obviously very good at games i see your xbox there.and you will not get anywhere in life with your qualifications except for dead end jobs and you would really need to support your family better and earn money and lots of things like this making me feel dumb and so on.
then because i told her i live with my fiance and was unemployed at the moment she says ill come back tonight to speak to you and your fiance what time is she in? so i told her and shes aparently coming back at 7pm WOW!!! never heard of any college or university that would be this interested a phone call 1 day and 2 visits the next day and all she left was a little brochure about being a games tester with no contact details or anything merely saying see you tonight at 7 and watch the movie on our website.
she also asked a lot of questions about my fiance and if she worked and wherre and how much she earned and that she needs to speak to fiance because most female partners think gaming jobs and things are a waste of time but we need her to see itll lead you into a great career and how it will support your family for the future.
no doubt shell come back and try to get my fiance to pay her 100 pound upfront then get her to agree to pay the 5 grand for the course for me and after a quick search online they sound very dodgy and the diploma isnt worth anything you can get a ou course for like 500 quid.
lot of rubbish a 5 grand course to be a games tester lasting over 19mnths hmmmmm funny mostly allyou do in game testing is run into walls a million times or crash a car and find bugs and glitches and do spreadsheet reports on it i dont see how a 18 or 19 month training course is needed for that.
i mean what college or university really does this
phones you up sounding like a american tv advert makes you out to sound totally amazing and best gamer ever.then very next day a home interview (really that quick).where they make out your virtually dumb and unemployable and have no skills despite serving over 6yrs in the british army.then asking about your partners job and financial situation and how she needs to be on board and realise its for a career and the adviser will return at 7pm the very same night to see my fiance(REALLY THE SAME NIGHT)
they are really that desperate for me hmmmmmmm.
well shame coz when she comes back she will get the brochure flung back at her and politely told to fuck off.
total scam maybe recognised companies and affiliates but basically pressuring you into taking a loan for a crappy diploma that means nothing phone call and interview and no mention of costs or money no real details bar she left a little brochure which basically tells you what a games designer and tester does which you can read same on direct gov website
A SCAM SHROUDED IN LEGAL CLOTHING
Lol ...i had my interview today with some guy sean fowler, i was called yesterday at 5pm.
DeleteAnd everything thats been said happened to me also...except when he hit me with the line "those qualifications will get you nowhere" I gladly presented him with 3 faxed job interviews in management...at which he replied ".................................."
I then followed up with showing him to the door.
Do not put your money into the hands of these bastards
Thank you all for posting your comments on this - I think the evidence is stacking up against this organisation. I'm sure there are plenty of other set-ups which seem to be far more clear about who they are, what they represent and so on. I would like to know just who has actually passed through the ranks of this and secured the best job of all? I am all for investing for your future but I doubt this is the best use of your money or time.
ReplyDeleteI think it's also disgusting using your family, situation or circumstances against you to coax you into signing on the dotted line. I think Watchdog would be interested to review this. I too was told the same thing by the salesman who visited me basically trying to say how I would need to provide for my family and this is the only way of offering job security and so on. ALL LIES!
I've made the mistake of signing up to this :/. Ok I wish I'd searched all this before I signed up, I feel a right plum. But the woman that visited me promised me a placement, how can TIGA endorse this if they represent the games industry? Also with the promise of a placement, this must be considered misleading the customer and surely I can claim my money back on those grounds?
ReplyDeleteI'm still undecided towards t2g. If they do ask for money upfront I'll have no choice but to decline anyway. I don't agree with there tactics but I have found that the qualification is worth something locally as at least one studio already employs two people from the course. I'm still skeptical of it being worth 5k though.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for all this information. It saved me from their claws. When I found a person on my door, it seemed so strange that they would come to your house. It seems they are so desperate. Qualification from reputable college or university is really the first step to the future rather than having this doggy diploma from doggy people. thanks once again.
ReplyDeleteThis is a common pressure calling on this company train2game, and there pressuring sales pitch we had sought a meeting after them contacting us this week and just as story's above state they use their 'we can come for a chat' and I must add I have never seen a so abrupt and cocky sales man in all my life joined by a silent so called assessor whom said little but nod?.. I must admit I played along but unconsciously awaiting for the figures but he just keeped on and on at needing commitment and digging into our working and family background's for flaws to use for his conviction on this being the right choice for us and re-affirming the 'I can’t twist your arm!! it’s up to you' tactic's playing emphases to holding a limited place for this course for my/our financial security but the biggest insult that lost them any chance of getting a deal settled was commenting due to my circumstances and lack of jobs in my skilled industry in my local area and he quoted 'well you can stay here in this home? It’s an easy life or you can allow yourself an opportunity and better yourself'...He is lucky I kept a hostile manner as this man was a clown in a suit nothing more or less. He mentioned £35.00 a week for ex amount of yearly terms, to witch I lost interest during his insults... All I can say is? I think tiga need to invest in training there sale rep's before clutching any financial deals and grabbing at what they can in a cut throat industry... As first impressions unfortunately? Today as of the past do last. This opportunity is open while government tax relief is placed in this industry as that of the film production industries. The cost due to the tax reduction in this industry... 21 march 2012, The UK government announced today it would finally provide tax relief for game developers, which comes as welcome news to the region's struggling scene. The relief will take the form of £15 million in 2013-14, with £35 million in 2014-15. But who projects these sums into today’s economic climate? If this is for you and have financial backing go for it but if not NO means NO!!! Not next week, month or year and waiting my call back from them tomorrow were by this call shall be recorded and they will be made aware no is no thank you...And remember if it sounds too good to be true?, chances are they probably are...
ReplyDeleteOk its time to set things straight on this stupid page, First thing that you people need to realise is that Train2Game is a distant learning course which is now equivalent to a Mater degree and you can read it all here
ReplyDeletewww.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/164999/Train2Game_Videogames_Courses_Awarded_Full_City__GuildsQualification_Status.php
They have been accredited by City and Guild who approve over 500 courses in the UK. So that right away shows they are not a scam. Onto another issue which is MONEY, alot of people here are complaining about the £35 a week issue well lets be honest you are on a degree course which is equal to a master so your paying around £4000 over 2 years which is average for these types of courses. If all you people who complain go onto the train2game forum and talk to people who are actually on the course you will understand more here is another link that you can find forum.train2game.com/showthread.php/13736-Scam
Now onto bigger issues, alot of people here are saying that this will get you no were, well let me shed some light on this, currently as i type this there are 3 Game studios set up by current Train2Game students who are competing in the Gadget show live event in which they have a make an Ios Game and the winner will get jobs for EPIC studios ( gears of war, Unreal Tournament) and this is all in partnership with Train2Game. i will link some of the students in this so you can see what they have done while on this course
www.savageseasstudios.com/
www.digitalmage.co.uk/
http://indigojamgames.com/
The links above are to the studios that current students at train2game have made, they are small studios but hey we all have to start somewhere. Nothing here sounds like a scam if it was it wont be Government funded, they wont be in sponsorship with EPIC Games one of the biggest gaming studios today and finally they wont have been accredited... every thing that you here on this page is just crap, speak to students on the course before you make your mind up it really helps. Dont believe everything you read on the net
I feel a lot lies on these door sale rep's to push this on people and create a rushing need of urgency for a course you basicaly do from home using remote assistance if needed like i said if its for you go for it regardless of what has been said in this blog but there will be a limited amout of work left if you flood it with people chasing there dreams and nothing in this day and age does last forever
ReplyDeleteThank you to all those who have read and posted... I find it rather funny how all these pro-Train To Game comments are posted by anonymous folk - if I were them, I'd stick my name to it if I was going to make a point... oh wait, I do and have done!
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm provoking some stupid tit fer tat type of argument, this is an adult debate and I'm glad we're above slanging matches here - long may it continue!
I think it's fair to say that regardless of the credentials, links and affiliations Train 2 Game have in the industry or with some pockets of the sector, the main issues people have are the pushy salespeople who come to the home, fail to introduce themselves and then set about undermining the prospective student saying how useless they are or how their situation won't improve without signing up with them and that you have to do so now...
I'm not going to pay money or waste my time or energy on something that is so manipulative and money-hungry. I can learn the skills online from other forums, read books and get programmes that will help me gather the skills I desire and isn't that more fun? Not to mention, isn't that what gaming should be about - not some corporate monster that would like to dictate things? Let's face it, the bulk of industry movers and shakers got there by grafting, learning the hard way and developing their skills and those around them... not to mention coming up with a cracking idea and finding a great way to market it (which can boil down to luck). I would like to have people from EPIC or any other studio inform us where they came from - I bet a lot came from university and the others from being locked away in their bedroom and spending too many coffee fuelled late nights programming, rather than a single one who's got through the doors via this system.
As for the government backing it, let's face it, they back many horses in a great gamble, look at the councils or institutions we have, not a single one is perfect and quite a few are awful! I'm sure if they had a watchdog look into this, they'd wish to have an enquiry - I know I would!
As for the Gadget Show connection, it's all possible to be done by networking and as Suzy Perry from the same show is a spokesperson for Train 2 Game on the videos etc. it hardly comes as a neutral voice - as highlighted before, people are happy to stick their name to something for a price and will be the first to cut the ties should it start damaging the brand or the other way round! Just look at how Nike and Gilette responded to Tiger Woods when he lost his halo... some slashed their connection instantly, others put out crisis PR to try and make it positive or limit the damage... he's not such a lucrative name to be associated with now. I wonder, should there be any foundations to these common thoughts and findings whether Suzy Perry will want to be connected with this organisation? I very much doubt the relationship would stand the test of time once the relationship fails to be mutually beneficial!
You want people to post names well here is mine, i left the comment in which i spoke about Epic Studios and the Gadget Shows Make Something Unreal Competition. Now from what you are saying you issue is with the Sales men of the course now let me return back to the term SALES MEN, as by nature they are pushy and will want you to sign what ever piece of document they have, all sales men are like this no matter what sector you are looking at, the sales men that came to me was nothing but polite and well educated.
DeleteYou clearly think that with this course you cant get your foot into the door of gaming industry, well here is a link to drstudio http://drstudios.co.uk/games/ they are the company which pushed forward the Train2Game scheme and they also make various games for the Ios platform and the Pc, and many train2game students get an internship working for this studio which is a great way to get you self into the door of the gaming world. As for the Competition here is a link so you can see the type of games that people from the Train2game studio have been making
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Multiformat/Epic+Games+news/feature.asp?c=39987
I understand that this is mostly your own opinion however you stand to be corrected on your ideology of this course. I suggest that before you post a blog about a topic you do research onto both aspects of what you are posting, for example go on the forum and talk to people on there, instead of making speculation to what you think.
you also need to use a dictionary and look up the word scam as this is far from a scam, and also go on their youtube page where they have Diaries of people on their course who are working for studios currently.
Please for the love of god educate youself
Thank you rollo, reasons for my anonymous was that am not a member and was doing research at the time but my name c.mc dermott as i have nothing to hide my friends, I hope this clears this matter up...keep blogging...My previous comment(s) and one prior to this reply? I feel a lot lies on these door sale rep's to push this on people and create a rushing need of urgency for a course you basicaly do from home using remote assistance if needed like i said if its for you go for it regardless of what has been said in this blog but there will be a limited amout of work left if you flood it with people chasing there dreams and nothing in this day and age does last forever.
ReplyDeleteI had one of these sales reps come round to my house last year. It was laughable the rubbish he was coming out with. Was more interested in finding out what I did for a living and telling me my job was no good etc etc and how I can do better. Trying to make me feel special and exclusive if I get selected for the course.
ReplyDeleteWhat he couldnt do though was answer my simple question which was 'how valued is this course but the industry'. TIGA this TIGA that but couldnt answer if its worth the paper its written on. I found the whole re-do exams thing until you pass a bit of a joke.
My friend at work had a guy see him last week and signed up on saturday. I warned him and told him that there is no smoke without fire and just to be on the safe side dont do it but he has.
The funny thing is I told him exactly how the interview would go and when I asked him what happened i was right down to a tee.
He has bought it all though and seems to think he will be working for EA in 3 years time.
hmmmm just got off the phone with them (refused to allow them to set up a home visit before checking them out as I do with everyone).
ReplyDeleteWell I shall be refusing now, if they want to talk to me I will go to a careers fair that they are at (if they do them, other distance learning courses do them!), I don't like people coming into my house for hours trying the hard sell!
Thanks for the heads up!
OH CRAP! I just set up with these guys myself but to be fair I am not going to university and the price of this is a bit less than Uni if you have gone to Uni and gotten a degree than I suggest not taking this Train2GameCourse but for people not going I think it is a great opportunity
ReplyDeleteA salesman left our home about an hour ago. My son had applied for a JOB on careers wales with train2game, which was advertised as meeting national minimum wage and 25 hours plus a week. ANY person applying for the position would have thought they were applying for a job. Instead he had the interviewer coming to our home (which set alarm bells ringing straight away) what employer comes to YOU for an interview???? After an hour and a half sales pitch, where my son was the best thing since sliced bread and was one of the chosen few to be accepted on the course he got onto finance. This is where I asked him what did he mean finances as the description on the job site said my son would be paid a wage. He skirted round this looking vague as if i was stupid and proceeded to tell us that my son would need to give a £100 deposit on a £5000 interest free loan from Barclays bank. If any of you can tell me a bank that will give you an interest free loan over 3 years, let me know cos I'll switch to them straight away!!! We pointed out that my son is on jobseekers allowance and only gets £100 a fortnight so wouldnt be able to afford £135 a month. This is when I found out why the salesman had asked me to sit in on the interview!!!! Surely I could help my son to finance his dream!!! Well train2game had better stay out of my way. They have raised my sons hopes and then dropped them from a great height and smashed them. SCAM!!!
ReplyDeletehi i would like to get into the gaming induestry but i dnt no how to go about can any1 help
ReplyDeleteBTW T2G IS THE BIGGIST SCAM EVER!!!!!!!!
Couldnt agree more with the comments made on here. I'm currently recieving demands from Cabbot Finance for the lump sum of some £5000, the amount a loan company provided for the course fees. I refused to pay for the course and returned all materials when I found out they are charging for access to open source software and programs, which is illegal. Only the person or company that created and owns the open source material may charge for its use, but as its open source and not owned or created by Train2Game or any of its associated companies I'm refusing to cough up the money demanded. As for the 'qualification' you get, it is only recognised by Train2Game and the companies that created the course. I would recommend going to university and getting in to the games industry like the people I know did. Avoid these people like the plague.
ReplyDeleteI'm really appreciating everyone's independent findings about this company and their tactics. I think everyone here is intelligent enough to identify a shoddy set up that has a rather obvious agenda. As with any business it's need is to sustain itself, make money and flood the market with people who have the same skills, meaning you then have to train harder to shine above the others on the scene.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone's frustration here is universal - this company tries to sell you the dream and yet uses hard tactics to push you into it rather than let you decide on your own. Everyone bar the obviuos exceptions here would like to get into the game industry in one way or another and are finding it hard to do so as this path has been blocked by their own underhanded activities. I would suggest looking at universities and picking up free info wherever possible in other forums and free sourced sites (even YouTube will have some valuable lessons on how to design or programme something - providing you can trawl your way through the junk too!).
If anyone has any good sites or suggestions on how to get started in the right direction then please post it here as we could all do with focusing on how to do it and what will work as opposed to how NOT to! Time's precious - quit wasting it on these T2G guys!
Not that I'm trying to pick a fight but these guys seem to be really screwing around with people's dreams and aspirations using boiler room sales tactics and anything else that they feel will secure someone signing on the dotted line.
ReplyDeleteNow, perhaps (playing devil's advocate) their course can help, but the pain, terrible sales techniques and approach (which from my encounter; can only be based on greed), makes this far from appealing and indeed probably by their own admission, fails to really deliver the goods. You might as well stick with university or hunting out programming opportunities online or even getting lucky enough to find an apprenticeship or freelance job to get you some experience, some money and hopefully a foot in the door with the right people in the circles you're looking move in.
Do post any success stories or opportunities you find elsewhere so we can share them with others and unveil this less than decent company/training facility, for what they really are.
Hi I also have had an interview and was wondering if you remembered the names of any of the course advisors that you spoke to. Just want to see if it's the same as any of yours and wanted to look into a bit as considering doing the course but want to speak to some studios and the college directly....
ReplyDeletetony kelly came to my house
DeleteRussell Gray came to me in Scotland
DeleteMartin Warring
DeleteI signed up to this, I'm a bit gullible. I was distracted by the game designer for the first month so I never really used the net. When I finally did I found these forums and realised what I'd done by which I'd lost my cool down period. I told them I quit and have refused to pay. Now I have a drs on my back. I'm a bit stuck what to do now. Though I was told the diploma was accepted throughout the industry which its not, is this mis selling?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://forum.train2game.com/showthread.php/2105-Is-T2G-a-Scam
ReplyDeleteThis puts it into a better perspective. However I think this 'start up' company, with its questionable methods has a little bit of cheek to charge so much considering its in its early days and maybe they should employ less cheesy-sales advisors and put their money to better use.
I've just entered the course yesterday is it too late to back out?
ReplyDeleteI believe you have 14 days to back out. I hope you read this before it's too late!
Deletei just had a fat man called tony kelly come to my house in a nice looking bmw, i have a level 3 advanced diploma in ICT system support and he told me that i need to do more or i dont have a chance of getting a job and will be stuck doing crap work the rest of my life, he gave me 2 dvd's and a book to look through and is going to call me tomorrow. he recommended the games tester for me which would cost £3100, and kept saying for only £25 a week i can have a future and a good career, he also started asking about my mum and dads marriage and why they divorced and if my dad beat my mum. even though i say there and never said anything but the occasional grunt he said he can see im interested and would be willing to put me on the course if i pay. i cant find anything good about this company and cant find anything from people who have done it and if they now have a job in the games industry. the only people who seem to praise it are people who work for them or who are doing the course and trying to justify spending 3-5k. he also told me not to listen to people on the internet because they are chavs sitting at there computers and jealous that they didn't do the course so are trying to stop everyone else from doing it
ReplyDeleteWell I'm really enjoying the course!
ReplyDeleteHow to quit it after first month? Anyone any idea please tell me.
ReplyDeleteI got tricked. Stupid me just ftw.
tell them you don't want to do it anymore or tell your bank to cancel the payments
DeleteYeah do what they said..and ignore every pathetic threatening letter you get from CDF.
DeleteF##k me sideways, thankyou for all the info! i had a guy turn up today for my "interview" bearing in mind i am 32yrs old, i would be surprised if this guy even had pubic hair? but i got the same propaganda as most people on this forum! the 11min dvd for a Games Developer, the skills tree, the promise of a TIGA recognized diploma all in a 2yr course costing £32 per wk. although he did say they couldn't promise a placement, and obviously as with any thing its up to you how you present your self,your portfolio and how you spin your learned skills to ensure your future it all seems a little to familiar to a lot of these posts? It does indeed seem to me that other tham making big money these guys plan to flood the market with these made up diplomas? i will personally be telling him that i have lost interest in the idea and will not be parting with my cash! when he calls tomorrow lol. thanks again everyone :) as mentioned a few times on this post the course work supplied is all mostly 95% open source anyway. :) peace out long reign free speech!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletejust a quick thought ??? if this company or god forbid other company's with the same ideals do actually succeed in producing an army of graduates with these so called "diplomas"? its going to be a sad day for the UK gaming industry?????? i grit my teeth and pray this does not happen?.... "Son.. if something sounds to good to be true? it usually is" my Grandad RIP
ReplyDeleterip to your grandad brother may God forgive him i was a "target" to these scams today as he come my house i thought i was special as i randomly emailed them with a big paragraph along with machinima and ea etc and they rang and said they would provide a home visit i thought this was because they was so specialized i was extremely wrong i am really glad i have a mother with her head screwed on and isn't gullible she actually scared this man when she said that technology would come to an end soon and she made him state facts which he wasn't supposed to say such as it costs £5000 that was supposed to be said after an hour or so i imagine all in all my mother made this trip 15 mins and she literally took the piss out of him and his ways but in the rightfull way us brothers need to help each other thats the only way we can conquer these people feel free too add me on facebook ill describe my encounter panah malji but most of all watch my gameplay video's MrEpicGamerx
DeleteHow big is this company? Are they located all over the country because it seems really odd that they can just turn up at your house the next day. Anyway, I have decided against the meeting after reading this. I got the phone call which set off alarm bells and then googled them finding this thread. Strangely weren't pushy when I said I wasn't interested which was a nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteI've been on the train2game course for ten months now I v already have interest in two major game studios in Manchester. It's like Chinese whispers one guy believes another adds something on and so on..you guys are just ruining it for other people..is it because you can't afford it or Sumat?
ReplyDeleteWe live in the uk not in the middle east if train2game was such a farce why do they still exist? Instead of reading comments like 'I'm surprised they re still allowed to continue doing what they do and they still exist' erm maybe it's got to do with they are who they say they are and they re genuine otherwise they would be shut down by now don't you think. If the was for free guarantee no complaints..but oh they re not ..I can't afford it ..so let's whine and whine and spoil it for everyone else..you guys make me lard seriously...
ReplyDeleteBull shit we live in the uk and not the middle east! If the uk is so respectable and credible then why is the economy so bad and more importantly, why does the government permit companies like Wonga which destroy peoples lively hoods with there preying on vulnerable people.
Deletecould not agree more with you brother stand for your beliefs and right! get up stand up! stand up for your right!
DeleteI signed up to the course. Big Mac..which faker are you?
DeleteIts a joke
CDF..Train2game..skills train..learn2trade. The list goes on of all these linked names. All with the same address in Luton..and all with complaints.
If you ask 118118 for a number for these it struggles to find one and gives you Metropolitan Schools International...and it rings and put you through to..well nothing.
I cant believe I wasted my money
First of all i want to thank Rollo for for opening this thread, that is not normal when people making you feel useless, i have to say that their strategy really works for those who are on the edge and looking for some answers or advice to get to right direction. But there are some stupid things they are telling like:
ReplyDelete1. We are the only who can help you, and there will be no second chance- logically there are plenty of courses, much more cheaper and with not even distant learning.
2. As he told there are 1200 people every week to choose from and they choosing only few, but they coming to your house, at 8 pm, how could they do that if their company is so busy, i cant imagine that Blizzard representative comes to your house pushing you to work for them.
3. "A lot of people i visit are stupid and dreamers" - well he just came to me and after 15 minutes chat he telling how stupid other candidates are ? at the same time he tells that he will give my place to somebody else, to who ? to those stupid other people ? And how can he talk about other people like that ? This is not a right way for a big company to talk to candidates! Don't you think ?
4. He never looks at your eyes longer than a second, you do not need to be a psychologist to understand what does that mean.
5. He was trained by one of the leaders of the Konami, at the same time, he has a dirty socks and shoes and a tiny car which sounds terrible.
6. No business card ? well, i don't need to tell more about that...
7. Posters and DVD, awful design, if you have ever seen really good prospects you will understand what i mean, such a big company WORKING WITH DESIGN and MEDIA could do much better. As for DVD, it is a cheapest one and just have an ugly sticker on the top- covering the real name of it and if you will look an the other side, you will see just some written space, just to compare, take any other DVD even with a music and look at it, you will see the difference straight away.
8. Is is up to me do i want to take this course or not, why he always talking about his team which he need to talk to, so he finds me special and want me to pay straight away, well my past is awful, i have no job and my education is useless and still he sees a big talent and potential in me, that is weird, he likes me ? I hope not, because i don't
The only true thing he told me, that Gaming industry is growing.
Respect yourselves, don't give up your hope and work hard, and you will get what you deserve!
As for Train2Game, it is always up to you to decide, i hope you will find useful all this thing i have mentioned.
It is not looking promising for me
Sincerely
Mike
Thank you Mike for your insightful thoughts about this interview and screening process that Train2Game adopt. I think you summed up the points, feelings and thoughts that we all have shared from this company.
DeleteI hate that these guys feel as though they can insult our intelligence and abuse our trust when we apply in good faith in the hope to better ourselves through dedication. As so many here can testify it's skills and qualifications are only worth the paper they are printed on. You would probably do better by playing with this free to use software and just putting together a showreel of your work to anyone willing to take a look.
I would love to have findings of anyone who has taken this course and been either able to get work in the industry or just ended up working at a check out...
And i know how people must feel after such a interview - stressed, do not be stressed, you worth more if you know what you want - this is really a big step forward, all T2G wants is your money, they do not care how will you feel after, their cruelty and greed make people a lot of problems in the future. Don't be sad or upset, because that is the way they want you feel. Proper education in Uni, skills and knowing what you want will lead you to the bright finish.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course as Rollo told, it would be interesting to see the proper result of their education, not just words and dirty posters.
Wish you all the best
Sincerely
Mike
I signed up on Saturday and I'm about to cancel (it's Wednesday). I'm really hoping they don't try and pull anything. They're telling me it's fine to do so within 21 days.
ReplyDeleteMy interview was pretty much the same as the other descriptions. I got scared when I thought about what might happen if I got out of work and couldn't pay.
Dan
I had one of these sales reps come to my house last night at 8pm, i got the phone call around 5pm saying weve seen that you have a took intrest in T2G. Asking me all these questions about what type of games and consoles i have and played, if i played online etc. Then i he said well i know you work shift (i mentioned previous in our little conversation) but when will you be free will you be free at about 8-8:30pm this evening weve had a cancelation. I was like i guess so, then i sat and thought about it thinking that was quick i only applied last thursday..
ReplyDeleteAny the "Collage Advisor" or whatever they called him came a knocking, and slightly introducied himself by 1st name only. i invited him in and he asked if i mum would join us but i said nah she wont be intrested plus she has company (baring in mind im 23 and do what i want lol). Anyways me and him proceeded to go through this application asking all the aspects i have read and seen in preivous comments with a few other elements one of which mention that Most apart from a few university courses are IT courses that have been moulded into gaming courses and are as beneficial as this as T2G is a course ran and evaluated by the industry for the industry.
He then procceded with the appliaction form to the last section and then said "i think we are wasting time here, as your mum isnt here" (basically the fear of lost element to a sales pitch, I also forgot to mention i used to be a sales person.. door to door). So anyways i got my mam and he procceded with the explaination to my mam and myself, but a few elements that he mentioned got me intregued is that he said things arent guarenteed a job but it can help, jobs and qualificaions dont just fall from the sky (which is a very fair point, if you want to get something you have to work hard for them).
Recently the course has been approved by City & Guilds which is a worldwide accredited qualification, but when i went onto the site i couldnt find the Qualification that i would be awarded by them which was a level 7 diploma (degree level what i was told) I am currently awaiting on the returning phone call i am intrested in this course but i wont be signing anything this week or in the near future be well after christmas if i do, going to do abit more research into this company and see how i feel about it (by which i mean contacting companys and seeing if they recognise this qualification and see if uni/college would be worth it rather than T2G). Also people have mentioned about back in april some of the students that are on this course participating in the "Make Something Unreal" Competiton and that they were recently involved in world record breaking games jam. Feel free to comment on this, this is my opinion on the subject.
They're to do with Skillstrain, a rather crappy company from what I know. I asked on their forum the cost etc, and because I said 135quid was too expensive for me, I was berated, and given the old its only so much a day/week waffle. Thats all well and good, but its still 135quid a month that I need to find. If it was 50quid I may have said yep, but only if it was also worth it i might add.
ReplyDeleteI will learn like you've said from books and online, and then I'll let my portfolio do the work for me.
Just an aside as well. If you choose to teach yourself, sign up to stackoverflow.com and answer questions on the programming language you are learning. Also sign up to some freelance sites to get some experience working on real projects. A few people I read online did things this way, and at least one guy I read about said he had to take his profile down due to the number of job offers he kept getting :-)
I'm going to be learning as much as I can over the next year, it'll be cheaper than t2g, and I'll probably have the real life skills etc that t2g can never ever give you.
They are also to do with scheidegger. Same bullying sales tactics, same "you need this", and then you end up with a qualification that you could obtain free/cheap from any college. If you try to fight them, they cancel your course thanks to some small print, and then force you to pay the money.
ReplyDeleteTrain2game rang me yesterday, at around 8pm, thanks to a "games tester" role I applied for on a job website. After talking to the lady on the phone I realised she knew little about her "passion of gaming", and almost anything I said was taken as an amazing plus point. She told me about a home visit in my area on Friday, and when I asked her to email me some details, as my partner works in the legal areas regarding scams and such (she doesn't, but it helps to drop that in, I find), she told me that it was fine, that maybe next time he is in the area, I could meet him. She explained that it would cost £30-40 a week, for 15 hours, over two years, but as I have a degree already I could skip some of the course-work. As I am not working, I could get funding (that was a finite number, which meant the sooner I signed up the more chance of getting it) which would bring the cost down to around £20 a week. I was also told they can't Email at the moment, but she text me the "train2gamenewbies" and "TIGA" sites, the former being nothing but a circle-jerk for train2game (I watched the videos, not many of them even mention train2game that much) and the latter... I've played games for a long time and I've never heard of them. Neither has anyone I know.
I have to ring them to verify if I want to do the course today, but I bet they will ring me too.
To be honest, I really wanted this. I've done a degree in computer science, but as it's been a couple of years since it's completion, I feel down, depressed and skill-less. The idea of training, then given work placements, and then helped into the job industry sounds so appealing, but is not real.
Just to let you know there are other training "scams" out there too. I was contacted by a web development one, via fish4Jobs, when applying for a web development role. The person works for "CPClearn" but asks you to visit a site called "expresswebjobs". Same system, same sales pitch but they say for a low low fee of £300-ish, as you are a uni graduate, you will get funding to pay off the £3k. The end result is a CIW, which is a accreditation that I know... but I am sure it is cheaper than £3k to obtain.
Thank you Goggles for adding your post, it appears they haven't learned anything new. Sadly it appears there are more scams out there. Please keep any scams coming as nobody likes being messed around or costing them!
ReplyDeleteI did some research and TIGA is actually created by Train2Game. This means...
ReplyDeleteA: How does a company you create, officially sponsor you without bias? When I was told about TIGA, it was hailed as the UK Games Industry, and their voice carries a ton of weight. There was no mention that there was a biased link between them.
B: The Gamasutra link above had a panel of two people who decided the courses offered in T2G are equivalent to a HND/2nd year degree. However both of them are TIGA Educational Advisers.
I think the best way to look at this course, is as a learning experience. The qualification at the end is as useful as an joint art/sociology degree (I kid!), but the process of obtaining it is valuable. From reviews of people who have done the course, while they agree that there are many areas that need improvement, it gives a structured working flow. The course provides practical experience too, which would help to fill out a portfolio for later job prospects. The only thing I disagree with, is the cost of £5k, for this privilege. If they charged £1k... maybe 1.5k, I'd be seriously tempted.
@Goggles Just to give you an idea what I am doing training wise. I am learning C#, asp.net and SQL plus I'll be learning F#. Join Stackoverflow, answer questions, ask them, and build up a rep that will get noticed by potential employers, do some open source work, do some work on Odesk, it'll pay badly, but again you start to get experience and working to deadlines. After a while you may get offers, or you may need to be more visible, but you'll get something. Once you're in the door, learn C++ etc to add another string to your bow. It will work, I've met a few people who had no degree who did this and got work in as little as six months to a year or so of learning C#.
ReplyDeleteSo I've been reading all that has been posted here and you might have noticed a rant a made on a previous comment. I recently had a meeting and was almost convinced the course was something I wanted and I would have another meeting today to secure payment details etc. But I had some doubts and after some research and looking at what people have said here, this is what I can conclude:
ReplyDeleteAs a company, T2G is a legally practicing company, but then again so ar pay day lending companies like Wonga. Equally drugs like ciggarettes are produced by companies operating within the law but this doens't mean they are not incredibly harmful. Perhaps T2G will offer a course that is rather good and you might be employable afterwards, but there in no doubt that the companies priority is to make money with the potential students taking all the risks. And as for the endorsement by TIGA, that can be taken with a pinch of salt. Looking at an example, Activision distribute Call of Duty which is a great game and it sells alot, but as far as Activision is concerned, they do not want Call of Duty to sell beter than any of there other products but the still sell them. The same is true with TIGA. They will endorse T2G because they are trying to sell something.
Final Thoughts:
If you are like me and you thought what the company was offering seemed too good to be true, it probably is so do som research before you commit to anything. It may turn out that T2G is exactly right for you> In my case, T2G was like seeing your favorite desert and have a bite to find it had expired over a month ago, hence it looked good but was awful.
I have read every single post here and its obvious that the most extreme views are written by those who probably know they are mostly bluster and air. if you don't like the sound of T2G and thinks its not for you, fine. Is it a scam? No. Its a fairly new offering on the market to fill a void. Is it expensive? Yes. But most things that take time and are worth doing dont come free.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have forked out £17,000 so far on University fees, Law degree course) over £2,000 on books and we still have an LPC (Legal Practice Course)to pay for Its £13,500. Why? To qualify for a career as a solicitor. No guarantee of a job, no promises made. Thats £32,500 in the hope of landing a job as a solicitor.
So whats my point? Nothing good in life comes free. Not even freedom. If you want a career in the games industry then don't waste your time talking about what you could do...DO IT. If the T2G course gets you started on that road and gives you some discipline and focus to work towards a goal, then its worth every penny. Following the course properly will help you create a portfolio that all good employers will want to see. The mere fact you finished the course will underline your determination to succedd and that you arent fickle. Doing nothing is whats expensive.
T2G is obviously not perfect. But then, no organisation is. So just like all with big decisions in life, do your research, ask the right questions and weigh your options. I've noticed that most of the 'advice' is negative. To the Neg's I say this: Don't lash out at T2G for what they offer...if you dont like it you dont have to take it. But I guess its human nature to blame Tesco's offers for making us spend too much when we go shopping instead of accepting that we are responsible for what we do. Tesco's job is to sell stuff. Its up to us to decide if we can afford it, not whinge on the way home when we over-spend.
T2G want to sell their course. Should they sell someone else's course?? They are a business.
What you get from the course will be determined by what you put in. The cost of the course doesnt determine its value but the quality of student that takes it. My wife was the only person in her university to get a First Class Bachelors degree in Law. Should the others complain? I don't think so. The money invested does not guarantee the result. She worked tirelessly for 3 years to achieve her degree with 3 more years to go before she can be a solicitor.
So, if you really want to work in the games industry then don't just talk about it. Do something worthwhile. Try studying instead of just playing games. Enroll on a course, get some books, look around for work experience, talk to real people in the real world about what you can do to improve your chances. Doing nothing is a fools choice.
Who am I? I work for T2G. I meet alot of people who say they want to become this or that but have no intention of doing anything about it..even if the course was free. Those that feel its a good way to have a disciplined approach to learning about games design or development will want it. Many who started it thinking it would be a breeze realised that working at learning is not the same as playing. What you do with the opportunity is up to you. Hard work, focus and patience can get you far if you really want to. You will need those same qualities when/if you land a job.
So, if you choose to keep bad-mouthing T2G, be my guest. But be sure you are doing something positive with your time. If what they offer isn't your cup of tea, move on. Find something that is and for heavens' sake.. DO IT!
Yes, do anything, but don't go with T2G, it is a scam, it is outdated, it is not recognised by any decent games house, and it has been going under one name or another for a few years now.
DeleteYou can try to use emotive language if you wish Mr T2G man, but you are on the losing streak if you think your post makes any difference to the overwhelming opinion that Skillstrain etc are doing anyone any favours. T2G is a scam it always will be, and you can trot off and tell your masters that we've sussed you out no matter what forum you go on to defend them.
I had a home interview today, was telling me I am a great person, I told him I quit school early and never finished a college course and he said yeah that's fine we understand why you would basically as it's in a classroom! A little strange, he is coming again tomorrow will let him know I wont be joining at £30 a week!!!! Bloody cheek so pleased I read this blog! Thank you xx
ReplyDeleteI had a home interview today, was telling me I am a great person, I told him I quit school early and never finished a college course and he said yeah that's fine we understand why you would basically as it's in a classroom! A little strange, he is coming again tomorrow will let him know I wont be joining at £30 a week!!!! Bloody cheek so pleased I read this blog! Thank you xx
ReplyDeleteHi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI just came across this blog today, which was very interesting. I'm currently a student of train2game and I can definitely say that the course isn't a scam.
I've been studying with train2game for three years now and I have enjoyed it for the most part.
I do have to agree that the course is primarily sold before anything else which makes it come across very bad, the sales reps that sell the course are really awful and that's something they need to change.
However, as for the course I have really enjoyed it, and train2game have done some amazing things. They have recently broken a world record for the largest game jam which was run by Microsoft, and they also did another with EPIC awhile back.
From my own personal experiences many people that I have got to know via the train2game course, have already got jobs in the industry by the work placement scheme that train2game provide you, which is great!
I guess it is what you make of it, train2game will suit some people but not others.
I definitely think that the course is relevant, it has been written by professionals that work in the industry, and some for many years. All content gets old at some point, but they always add extra content via the student world they provide.
Its not necessarily a bad thing that EVERYBODY doesn't recognize their qualification, a portfolio is the most valuable thing to getting into the industry, which they help you build up. The qualification isn't recognized as a name but it has been bench marked and I think it gives around 240 UCAS points, or the first year of a bachelors degree.
There's many bad comments and some of them just aren't true in my opinion, so I thought I'd share mine.
As a student of the Train2Game Distance Learning program, on the Developers course, I can tell you with confidence that this blogger has said nothing right regarding the validity, complexity, relevance and quality of the course itself. There is also a bit of ill-informed information here. This is what matters, and this is what you will be paying for.
ReplyDeleteDoes it surprise you to know that most T2G students share your dislike of the sales tactics employed by T2G? Of course they want sales, and they are not wrong to push for them. At the end of the day, they cannot force you to sign up. This isn't a University, either.
However, if you can live with the fact that the business wants business, then I'll talk about the material itself. It is;
-Portfolio focused: To get into industry, a diploma of any kind will not get you very far. The portfolio is what counts, and each of the courses has many portfolio pieces which are marked and evaluated by Train2Games employed pro's, who will also assist you in the creation of them.
-Designed by experienced professionals: The course material was created by a team of successful and experienced in-industry professionals, including employee's at DR Studios. It is designed in a way that optimizes learning, starting off at the basics for those completely new, while having a learning curve steep enough so that those who understand basic principles have something to be getting into. As a personal example, I am eighteen years old and able to do a hell of a lot in C++, with only a small actionscript background prior to the course. My understanding of key development techniques is infinitely better than it was a year ago. I know for a fact that I would be able to learn this outside of T2G, but it would have taken me years longer. The course materials teach in a clear and consistent manner, from every angle of the topic. I am learning exactly what I need to learn for the industry in one place. I am unable to find anything that matches it.
-Success guarantee: Circumstances change, and T2G factor this in. T2G offer course extensions to any individual who, for any reason, needs to take more than three years on the course. The only thing you need to show is commitment to the course. T2G also do not charge for the first year. Exams can be retaken, tutors can chat to you most hours of the day, and an entire forum of students is available to you for anything related to the course.
-Additional opportunity & Collaboration: T2G encourages further learning, collaboration and team development. I am making games with ten other students on the course currently; people who I can learn from, interact and build a relationship with. I’ve never seen such a large group of people with the same goal since I was in the classroom. You just don’t find that with personal learning. I’ve gained confidence, social and communication skills, personal management and discipline, and a whole lot of other skills because I am a T2G student. To show you just how dedicated T2G is to this goal, check out the record-breaking Game Jam that T2G did with Microsoft.
-Contacts: On that note, not only do T2G help you get the skills you need, they also give you opportunities to interact with people who can get you the publicity that you need afterwards. The bi-annual gamejams are an amazing example of this, but it happens elsewhere too.
If you were to ask me if it is worth just under five grand, I can tell you absolutely. I wasn’t asked by anyone from T2G to look at this post, or even comment on it. I never would be where I am today if not for the course, so next time you want to state an opinion on Train2Game, make sure you look at the whole picture. Sure the sales team lets us down, but talk on our forums and we’ll tell you exactly what it is like. Do your research properly.
Thank you to all for your contributions. As I have said all along this is to allow people have the facts based on experience and allow for a fair opinion giving anyone an insight into the T2G set up, and allowing potential students make a better judgement.
ReplyDeleteAs for your comment to do my research properly, it's clear you haven't read much or any of this forum's posts as we have got lots of facts, and more than the T2G would normally share with you... especially their salespeople who fail to say anything constructive or informative.
I would hate to make this sound like a conspiracy but I find it funny how 3 representatives from T2G have all posted on here in almost as many days... completely independent from each other, what's the odds? Especially as until now it hasn't had any real involvement from the company.
Firstly to the T2G lawyer, I fail to see what you added to this chain of opinions other than your wife is smart and you obviously have a bias due to your employment with this company. We don't want to be mugged and we appreciate not being yet again told how useless we are as humans without taking this course... I can see that the sales people clearly lack any people skills and diplomacy isn't in your or their remit. Ultimately we all want to do something with our lives but being hoodwinked by a T2G rep isn't on our list.
To the anonymous student, how can it be a good thing to say the qualification isn't recognised by everyone? Surely if it's an industry standard it must be a prerequisite to be known by all rather than a select few? I and others here would love to hear from someone who has done the course and got a job as a result. Alas so far I have seen nothing to support this training nor the funding of it (particularly from our own hard earned cash) and so it still looks far more like a scam than not. I appreciate jobs are hard to find, opinion is all around but it doesn't appear as though this company offers anything other than a few loose promises, a structured training programme. However if you are disciplined and resourceful enough you would be able to do much the same.
As for NickWalker12 the group organisation is useful but again a few similarly interested people can band together to do much the same thing outside of the course. Getting extensions to do the work also is a bit of a nonsense as deadlines are not to be missed. In the real world if you fail to pay your loan on a set date you get penalized, why should this course differ? Because it ensures a higher pass rate (they can't afford to fail a student) further ensuring the qualification isn't really worth the paper it's printed on.
The gamejams are fine but again what's preventing people from mingling or attending these? I've been to shows and trade fairs etc mingled, exchanged details and so on. It appears by being astute, vigilant, determined and know your way round coding you can have a portfolio enviable to anyone else's. Still worth the money? For those on the course, of course you would say it would be, you have a vested interest and can't back out of it without feeling a failure, losing money and all the time spent. For those undecided, can you do the same or better for less? Probably through digging around you could!
Applause is given to those who acknowledge the main thing that started raising the alarm about this organisation; all accept the sales side of the business is awful. So what's being done about it? It's laughable that despite everyone saying how bad it is nothing has progressed in the years this forum has been operating. So does that sound like a progressive, caring or diligent organisation? Nope!
First off I was the anon student that posted before hand as I forgot to post my name along with it :)
DeleteIt is strange that we have posted together, the reason being is myself and Nick work together on small games after I had posted looking for like minded students through train2game, so when I came across the blog I thought I'd share it with him, and we both ended up leaving our opinions.
It's not necessarily a good thing to say that the qualification isn't recognized everywhere, I'm simply saying that the course is relatively new, and we can't expect everybody to know what the qualification is at this point in time, many people do recognize the qualification despite that. The qualification isn't industry standard as a factual statement, but the course is structured by industry professionals that teach you what they would be looking for when hiring somebody.
I know quite a few students who have received full time employment from train2game work placements, a few indi company's have hired students and I work with a student that now works for Unity as a result of his work placement.
I THINK because the course is a home learning course, and is not classed as full time education, there is nothing you can do to help you get funding with the course. It does suck, but if the board doesn't recognize it as full time education there is nothing that can be done. I'm unsure how that side of things work though, this is just how I think it is.
There is nothing stopping people from attending the game jams on their own, nor anything stopping people from going out and learning information in their spare time. Most things are readily available on the internet these days, but aside from the T2G course a lot of people still go to college/university to learn information that they very well could learn for free otherwise.
From studying the design course for 3 years, I can certainly say that you could definitely build up a portfolio close to the quality of doing any course that teaches you about games and the industry, however the information that you learn from industry professionals is invaluable.
I know many people that have learnt how to be excellent 3D artists from many years of work through free software such as Blender, however there is still many people taking courses besides the T2G course to learn how to do this in University.
I guess its not about whether T2G is good or bad, but rather what path you want to take to achieve your goal. It's totally up to the person as to what they want to do with their life and how they want to go about achieving that goal.
As pointed out by myself before and again by the lawyer, whatever you decide to do, do it. But unlike the lawyer before you commit know your rights and options fully. There are far too many organisations set up to take your money in return for something. For the onward journey try to do something you enjoy as this will be the most rewarding. Don't just take my word for it, careers advisors and the like won't cost a penny to see and could open doors for you and lift the blinkers off you to help you realise your true potential. Seek quality advice not just the quantity, after all, just because it's what everyone else does makes it best. If we all thought that way we would have a very dull existence. Innovate and inspire!
ReplyDeleteFinally, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
I had some guy called Tony Kelly come to my house and try sell me course where I get first two months for £100. He was asking questions about my family and told me I would get a job in the gaming industry if I signed up. I had a phone call yesterday next day there at my door step. They said they will be coming back Saturday but I'm canceling anyway when he rings. There is something a bit odd about the name I found a video on Youtube and it looks like the guy but his name is Tony Bickey hummm strange don't you think????
ReplyDeleteTony Bickley is the COO of DR Studios and one of the course writers, he has 31 years of industry experience and has worked in places such as Konami and Eidos. I can tell you for sure that it wasn't Tony Bickley, it was just a train2game rep coming to your house because you requested more information, nothing strange about that.
DeleteThat's actually quite funny, because Tony Kelly is the CEO of DemonWare, an Irish game middleware company (now owned by Activision). I wonder if other rep names are similarly snatched from known industry names.
DeleteGot one of these f**kers coming round at 5.30pm today. Glad I looked deeper into the company in time.
ReplyDeleteLike the blokes son further up the thread. I too was under the impression that this would be a job I would receive an apprenticeship wage for. Best thing is I still have the print out as proof.
Roll on 5.30 the little parasite wont know whats hit him.
I read like 5 posts up it's a 'new course on the market' this has been around for like 4 years now so it's hardly new. I too was almost convinced but then saw through the cracks and after mentioning the prospect of University study the 'salesman' agreed it would be a better option.
ReplyDeleteMy point is that you can learn the software for free. a few of my partners friends are doing this course and I am in NO WAY TRYING TO BE OFFENSIVE, they are lay abouts that if they had a brain cell it would be lonely. My point is this company is disgusting it takes advantage of people who really want to succeed but don't know how.
I myself have seen what her friends are doing and in honesty it's crap. they develop games that are just coded copies of games made in the 80's...like seriously the 80's.
Please for the love of god guys don't fall for this scam. something else you may find of interest is that train2game used to be known by a former name (site has been taken down) they were sued and the ltd company was liquified and now we have train2game which is run by the same guy.
Heed my warning and don't be an idiot, you get out of life what you get into it if you want to be the best be persistant in your endeavours, learn from others online, get the freeware first. this only block is your imagination. period.
Thankyou so much you have saved us a lot of grief and money.
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ReplyDeleteCan't believe this has been going on for all this time. My boyfriend has just had a similar experience after registering his interest online a while ago. He didn't hear anything back until yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAlarm bells started ringing when I overheard his telephone conversation last night, where he discussed where I worked and what I studied at University. It seemed weird to me, why would anyone contacting my boyfriend need to know about my life?
After a long enough phone call and many personal questions answered, my boyfriend was unable to remember the name of the company and had somehow managed to agree to a home visit from one of their representatives the following day(today)!
I was reeling and instantly tried to find related scams online, I know when I can smell a rat. However without the name of the company I wasn't very successful, I still remained fairly certain that this was some sort of scam.
This morning my boyfriend text the number that had called him last night to cancel the appointment and didn't hear anything back. That was until this afternoon when the barrage of calls came flooding in to first his mobile, then the home phone.
He refused to answer the calls on his mobile but suggested I answer the home phone and reconfirm that he was unable to attend the interview as notified. Once I had finished on the phone with the representative I looked up the name of the company, which I had made sure to remember.
I thankfully came upon this site without any hassle, and confirmed my suspicions. The representative didn't stop there though, ringing my boyfriend's mobile a fair few more times and then the inter-phone at our flat!
We watched the representative waiting by the key pad at the front of the building, on the black and white screen of the inter-phone in our apartment in complete disbelief. We couldn't believe the cheek of it, turning up even after the appointment had been cancelled, and all the times he pestered us by ringing!
I hope nobody falls for this pushy scam, luckily we didn't!
Of course they send a salesman to your house and they pressure there on commission, but if u have the bottle u can make a life for yourself
ReplyDeleteOk so one is comming here tomorow if im not in will they keep comming back?
ReplyDeleteI have one booked do they ever leave you alone?
ReplyDeleteThey do move on eventually. Sadly as they work on commission and see you with pound signs in their eyes they won't go willingly. When I had them come round they tried to close the deal on the first visit and then called several times more to get me to confirm. After being sore about my decision to not sign up they hung up. I've thankfully not had any more from them (apart from here).
ReplyDeleteI had a phone call from these people today. The odd thing was they said I sent them my details through facebook and that's why they were phoning. The thing is I don't have a facebook page and never have. When I told them that their attitude was that I was lying and they don't cold call so I must have sent them my details.
ReplyDeleteI know I didn't ask to be called which makes me wonder where they got my number, name and address from. It seemed like a cold call to me but they insisted they don't do that. Anyway I told them I would check them out online, I didn't want someone turning up to my house to sell me training. Thankfully i've had enough Indian chaps phone me to know when someone is trying to sell me something.
Train2Game contacted me after i filled in an application online, i was 16 at the time so they said they would call back when i was 17. My birthday was on December 1st and they called me back on the 2nd straight after my birthday. I was surprised that they actually contacted me back. A woman called 'Nicola' basically interviewed me on the phone, asking questions about why i'm interested and if my parents were supportive, financially stable etc. She was basically preying on the fact i was a female, and was very amateurish and friendly on the phone saying about how girls are short in the industry and i would be a real interest. Everything happened very quickly and she said someone would be in the area tomorrow and would like to interview me.
ReplyDeleteThe next day someone called 'Rabi Dowtrey' came to my house (which to me sounded a little bit odd because i was expecting to go somewhere to meet them not have them come to me almost instantly) like what everyone else is saying, he said about how uni courses wont get me a job, that this course would get me a pretty much guaranteed job in the industry. He explained how i could get a masters degree at the age of 19. (little too good to be true..) he said there was no pressure to give the money but.. they would be out of the area in the next few day and would not be able to fund me for another year when they were in the area again. being exited about the whole opportunity i didn't really think of the little thing i'd picked up as serious things. He called back the next day and asked if i was sure, he tried to make the Saturday appointment (today) early at 11 because me and my mum had already told him that my dad would be working, and my dad wasn't here on the day he first came and interviewed me. We got the appointment for 2 o'clock with some insisting on the time.
the fact that the only numbers that had contacted me were mobile and i couldn't contact either because they were off was a bit odd ( i don't think that he uses that phone personally and only turns it on when he needs it like 20 mins before my appointment. After my dad told him not to come he still arrived on the doorstep and received a 'FUCK OFF' but seemed reluctant to go away. By the way he reacted it seemed as though we wasn't the only people that had told him not to come because he didn't seem shocked in any way.
He preyed on the fact that i was a 17 year old girl and i am really passionate about joining the gaming industry and getting some training in something i love. He also used the fact my parents are very supportive. As for using the City and Guilds logo in the booklet i received on first visit. on the back of it it says " The third party logos that appear on our course materials represent our third party accreditaions as at the time of publication. please note that our accreditations change from time to time. for a full list of accreditations please visit our website. The course is accredited, but you dont need to pay £5000 + more like £500 as a OU course. This is a SCAM and im clad me or my parents signed nothing and gave no details!!
hey just want to thanks the story you blogged matched mine, my dad works with bt and microsoft and when the salesman came to visit to finally make my pen touch paper, my dad caught him out that microsoft ended partnership with them as well as crap they say about city guilds
ReplyDeleteso many winging winers blah blah blah...yawn...why dont all the unhappy people get a huge house and live together whingin together...think you need to wake up and smell the coffee and realise t2g are here to stay regardless of whatever you moaners say..and if they wernt legit they would have been shut down ages ago..this is gettin boring now ...sometimes someone comes on saying this is my story..and another this is my story...you sound like complete idiots..if you dont want to do something dont sign anything and before you do make sure the companys legit and if they are its cool and if they arent something might be growing out of your forehead - simple : ) just to add about my last comment someone was talking about why is the government allowing wonger well..nothing wrong with wonga its the idiots who run out of money in the first plact who go to them..for gods sake when its on telly it clearly says 4000% interest so you must be a tit in the first place for going with them!
ReplyDeleteI have somebody coming to my house thursday about this, you have saved me so much money and time and effort, couldnt be more thankful i found this
ReplyDeleteMy son had a "so-called" interviw just before Christmas . Same old rubbish was said to him as on other posts . When my son called the interviewers bluff about checking all on-line probs , people advising to stay clear of train 2 gain...he got "but that was a long time ago , we have had lawyers onto all of this and I can assure you there are no problems with our company . If you give me any sites that you have looked at and they are "bad mouthing" us , I can assure you that we will look into them ..we take things like this very seriously" We said we had a long list of sites warning about train 2 game and the relpy was " I will get someone from head office to contact you for the names etc..we take this very serious" . She left in a mad rush all flusterd...and surprise surprise...head office DIDNT GET BACK TO US !!!!..AVOID THIS SCAM LIKE THE PLAGUE...SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO TO COLLEGE OR A REPUTABLE PLACE....NOT TRAIN 2 GAME !!!!!!!
ReplyDeletei was also visited by a so called college advisor named Sean Fowler. i told him. i knw he lookin for money doin these scams. so i asked him to recruite me. he said it would stil cost me the same price.. lol.. wat a hustler...
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your frank feedback. So many similar stories and my heart goes out to those who have suffered at the hands if these people and organisation. I think save your money, ignore the persistence and nuisance calls/visits. If it seems too good to be true it probably is!
ReplyDeleteWow. Been on three threads now and the negitivity far outweighs the positivity. Guess a couple (it seems that many) lucked out or maybe they can't accept it. I got the call tonight and had a meeting set up for tomorrow but called back and cancelled due to all this (a google search straight away brought up T2G and the word "scam"). The general issue seems to be with the initial sale although why do they need to "sell" people their dream? Its a nice idea helping people learn and to find a way into a difficult industry and to be fair telling people to mearly do it themselves may generate skills but those skills mean jack if you havent got a clear way in. T2G appears to offer the whole package with some garantee of success but in my oppinion, if such first impressions are so low for this many people then that either speaks of poor training and company standards in which case I wouldn't be interested anyway or that they are just after peoples money (although it seems like a lot of people involved for a scam their tactics do appear consitent. Hmmm...). Note to self. Don't trust any adds that feature on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe all this stuff is still going on about Train2Game - I remember being part of the discussion on Digital Trends when they first started up (that resulted in court action when T2G tried suing Google).
ReplyDeleteEdited highlights for those that are interested - Someone says T2G sounds like a scam, more people start posting, DR Studios (people behind course) start posting saying they are nothing to do with Met Schools, load of evidence appears showing that MiS are behind course, ex-salesman posts saying 'here is how we sell - sell the dream etc.. Single Mum? Sell accounting course. Young lad? - Video Games'. Lot's of new posters defending T2G. Lot's of evidence showing links to other companies (like testimonials saying how great a company is from people in next office). Blog's appear saying T2G is really good. Incident where recruitment agency OPM dropped reference to T2G as they had the impression preople from T2G were saying they were OPM.
For further info try searching for: "bruce everiss train2game" and reading the comments sections for further links.
Another good search is "ukresistance train2game" where the video of the typical recruiting process was originally linked and some more background on their older practices.
My view? I wouldn't waste time with it but if you really want to do it then no amount of information about their past, or seemingly their current, practices will stop you.
I had a phone call from them yesterday and they arranged to see me at my home today, i did some research into this last night and thought it seemed a bit dodgy, so didn't let him in and said I had changed my mind, he spent a long time trying to get me to change it but eventually left leaving me a magazine. He says he isn't in my area for long and it could be another 18 months before they are back here, not sure if this is a scam but something seems fishy to me, think i'm going to tell him where to go.
ReplyDeleteBeen digging around and it wasn't too hard to find these recordings of a Train2Game presentation (sales pitch). It probably says all that it needs to regarding their presentations and patter.
ReplyDeletehttp://ukresistance.co.uk/2009/09/28/train2game-outed-by-investigative-reader/
It's amazing how many forums etc. Train2Game use to try and defend its position - I guess if I were in their shoes I'd also dig in and try and confuse people and send out positive spin... but as I have developed a dislike to their ways and their conduct and overall practice... stuff 'em! I only pray that more people see this thread and the truth comes out!
My brother had a interview thing with train2game and i was a bit dubious as their info had no information about course accreditation or even affiliates, so i did warn him as its a lot of money to produce a portfolio where you could actually do it your self. my brother also said that the guy who came to interview him had no knowledge of software used in the industry.
ReplyDeletei also have a friend who works in the games industry and has worked for rebellion, ninja theory and currently works for rock steady and he advised me to steer well clear of train to game, he stated its not a scam but as close to it as you could possibly get. you cant get better advice than from someone who actually works in the game world. nice try train2game.