Thread: College

if you plan to do game programming there are a few things you need to be aware of:

game programming is hard. you will need lots of math (esp. vector math).

being a game programmer is a bit like the IT worlds version of being a rock star. for every john carmack/metallica there are a million guys in garages working for nothing/guys in garages working for nothing (not a typo). basically if you're very good/lucky and you get on a AAA title (half-life, quake, GTA, etc) you'll work bloody hard, but you can make a lot of money. That said most game programmers don't get on those titles and work bloody hard for less money then they'd make in an equivalent non-game programming job. typically subtract about 25% (YMMV of course)

Note that I'm not trying to put you off, but you should start with your eyes open.

On the plus side, games programming tends to be more interesting/ technically challenging then banging out another DB app.

If you really want to get a job game programming, go to a university that does a good CS course (something that teaches you both low and high level concepts). While you're there start building a portfolio in your own time. Depending on what area of game progamming you want to get into, you should try to have
- an engine demo for 3d work
- a hl/quake mod shows you can work with an existing engine and can build game logic
- some AI demos if you're interested in that side
- some networking stuff (most games have an online component)
- a scripting engine
- a resource editor

you've got 4 years, get to work :-)

Don't go nuts on what Chaos is saying. Yes, you want to build a nice resume filled with all sorts of skills. For gaming program, it's essential, but don't think it must be done in "4 years".

If you live an average life, with an average family that stands by you, the don't think you have to be ready to tackle the world the day you get your BS. What's going to happen is, you get your degree, you get a low level job, make a mediocre pay check, and build your resume. Constantly try and break into the field you get into. When you're not at your current job, you should be looking for a better one. The most important thing I could share with you is to pace yourself. Take your time with your work and make sure it's done right.

Originally Posted by SlyMaelstrom

Don't go nuts on what Chaos is saying. Yes, you want to build a nice resume filled with all sorts of skills. For gaming program, it's essential, but don't think it must be done in "4 years".

If you live an average life, with an average family that stands by you, the don't think you have to be ready to tackle the world the day you get your BS. What's going to happen is, you get your degree, you get a low level job, make a mediocre pay check, and build your resume. Constantly try and break into the field you get into. When you're not at your current job, you should be looking for a better one. The most important thing I could share with you is to pace yourself. Take your time with your work and make sure it's done right.

You misread my post. I didn't mean it in that he has to do all of that in 4 years. I meant he has 4 years of time available, which is plenty of time to build a portfolio. The projects I listed are options. I didn't expect him to do ALL of them, just the ones in the area of game programming he's interested in.

Skills on your resume are great and will get you into most jobs, but every game company I've talked to wants to see samples of your work, and that means work that you own and can legally show them, including source.

So until you've worked on a few release titles, you need some sample work to show them.

What I was trying to explain to the op was that he has loads of time to make some really polished samples to show off his skills.

BTW if you're really interested in game programming head over to gamedev.net, where you'll find much more info from some very clever people.

thanks for all the info, and yeah i know it will be hard, but persistance will pay off in the end i think.