How to become a computer games designer?

My ideal job would be to become a computer games designer. I know it seems a bit of a pipe dream as its a very competitive industry and I don't have any experience whatsoever. I can do the artwork and layout etc and I have a very very basic grasp of programming (although I'd really just like to be involved in the design of the game). Any ideas on how to make it happen?How to become a computer games designer?
It's not a pipe dream, but it is a lot of work. I've been attending the Art Institute of Washington here for my fourth year, have about 7 classes left till graduation. I tell ya, it's been a ride, a lot of sleepless nights to make deadlines, and rigorous professors. My game modeling and level design professor is actually from Firaxis Games, the makers of the Civilization series, and we have a program called Pizza with the Pros, which lets us meet someone from the industry of design or another form of media arts.



The bare essential thing you need to get a job in the industry is a BFA in game design, and the Art Institute is the best place to get it; not DeVry, they suck total ***.



Give the Art Institute a look-up, take a tour, see if it's really what you want to do. About 70% drop out after their first half of the first year though, they just can't take the amount of work it is.



It sure as hell beats the crap out of studying all night though. ;)How to become a computer games designer?
This article should be useful to you.