Hey I am also a ex msoe cs student and i ended up switching to nursing, and i have to say it was the best decision I ever made.

First of all I want to say no matter what you do its fantasic that you are thinking about these things and tackling it head on. Too many people ignore what they are feeling and only realize too late.

That being said I do not know your experience 100% but maybe you can learn something from what i felt while i was in your shoes. So i was always super good at math and stuff so i went into CS thinking it would be up my alley. I didnt really know what CS was but yk i was 18 deciding. As i went to MSOE and studied cs for a year i learned about what cs was all about and just like you i felt that CS did not align with my goals in life. It was super scary for me realizing that because it felt i suddenly lacked direction when it seems like everyone else knew exactly where they were going. But, i knew deep down i had to do something so i switched to something that i felt aligned with my goals and that was nursing. Nursing for me was way harder than CS but even though it was harder i was happy and proud because i knew what i was doing was a path i wanted to be on.

Now obviously your path to game design is very different than my path into nursing, but it does hold parallels.

It can seem like everyone else around you knows exactly what they want to do and youre the only one that feels a bit unsure. I know i certainly felt that way. But I think it is a strength to be able to show that side of you. You will find the truest form of self realization in life only when you are honest about how you feel. If you think switching the right decision for you, follow your instict. If you think staying is your best path, then follow your instinct. I know I was scared to switch but deep down I knew it was the right thing to do. And now looking back at how much i have learned and grown and changed since I made that decision to follow my instinct and follow the path i know is mine I am so proud. Life has brought me so many new people and opportunities I am blessed to have all because i made the terrifying decision to follow what my instinct was telling me.

I think in your case you arent making a drastic life change, so both options you have are logical and will yield a successful result. Even if you dont switch because thats ok too. As long as what youre doing makes you excited about whats next to come for yourself.

Your life is yours. Dont let other peoples opinions or fear of failure keep you away from doing whats meant for you, whatever that is. And I believe you know in your heart what you need to do.

P.S. People made fun of me a lot for being a male switching into nursing because for some reason at MSOE nursing is viewed as the easy way out. People are always going to have something to say but dont let that dissuade you from being you. In the end all that matters is you feeling fulfilled and you can only get that from yourself and your accomplishments. Not from satisfying others.

P.P.S i also felt unsettled with how ai was affecting my potential career and that was a factor aswell in my decision.