Degree or no degree, that is the question...

I have been asked countless times through my career and travels by students, gamers and enthusiasts alike, "Do you really need a Game Art or Game Design degree from an accredited school to get hired into the gaming industry. The quick answer is "no." However, the more complicated answer would be, "It certainly couldn't hurt."
Lets quickly break it down. A games degree doesn't mean anything if you don't have the basic skills, quality portfolio and unbridled passion for games to back it up! There are plenty of non-accredited institutions out there that can help you discover and/or acquire those attributes (just without a "degree" waiting for you at the end).
David Perry (a well respected icon, designer and programmer of the industry) was quoted in an interview recently saying that he would hire a person that had great ideas and portfolio regardless if they had a degree or not (or any real experience or not).
I think the one misnomer that we have to expose immediately is that a degree DOES NOT get you a job. It certainly doesn't in other professions and our game industry is no exception. However, if your skills and level of experience match closely with another candidate (also looking to be hired at the same company) , They would most likely chose the individual with a degree in gaming.
Bottom line... it's experience, skills/talents, creativity and the ability to communicate clearly and objectively that game employers are looking for. Obviously, formal schooling in Game Art and Design will arm you with many of these techniques and tools. This gives you a greater range of experience and equipping then someone who is just trying on their own. Schools offer professional instructors who have been in the industry as well as computer labs, software, resources and other students that you'll be teamed up with to do game projects and design simulations with.
For the individual that doesn't want to go the school route (or can't afford it) I would strongly suggest trying to get an internship at a local game developer or apply for a game Quality Assurance (QA) Tester. Both of these positions will allow you to not only get your foot in the door but will allow you to start learning about the business from the inside as well as the language, roles, responsibilities and awareness of what is required to further your career or particular area interest.

Conclusion:

- Do you need a degree to get a job in game development?... No.
- Is it advantageous to take courses at a gaming type college or online courses?... Absolutely!
- If schooling isn't an option then look to intern or QA at a developer/publisher while continuing to build up your portfolio, skills and knowledge.

Any other opinions or insights would be welcome! ;)