I'm looking for someone in the game development industry

[johnjohn320]

In other words, I'm looking for someone who works for a game development company for a living. I'm 15 years old (well, I'm turning 15 tomorrow) and I'm a freshmen in high school. One of the career choices that I have been looking at, although I still have plenty of time to decide, is computer programming, specifically game programming. I was just wondering a few things, like, how hard is it to "break in" to this industry? I've been learning C/C++ lately, is that still expected to be the language used in developing games about 8 years from now (or some slight variant)? What should I study in college if I still plan at that time to go into game development? Is it a necessity to have experience in some other field of programming before I could be considered for a job in games? Thanks to anyone out there who replies, please only answer these questions if you do this for a living yourself. Thanks!

 

[Adrian Tung]

Check out www.gamasutra.com, they have some articles that would apply to you.

I'm currently a programmer for Web Works Interactive, the only game developer in Malaysia. My advice to you would be to pick up not only on your C/C++ programming, but to improve your math as well, especially in 3D vectors and matrices. It would also help if you had some knowledge in 3D modelling and animation, as well as some networking and software engineering basics.

Dive into the latest APIs including DirectX and EAX. Develop a good portfolio for yourself to showcase your skills to your prospective future employer.

That's all I can think of for the moment... hope that answers your questions.


🙂atwl

 

[johnjohn320]

Wow, thanks! One more question, how good do I have to be at Geometry? I am just peachy with all the math subjects I've learned thus far in my life, Algebra's a snap, the little bit of Trig I've learned was actually pretty interesting and understandable, but for some reason I'm having trouble with geometry. It might be because I have a crappy teacher, but it might be because geometry's not my subject. So, as scared as I am to ask, am I required to be a geometry whizz?

 

[johnjohn320]

Anyone?

 

[Statman]

I agree with Adrian Tung's advice in terms of getting in the industry. Gamesutra pretty much covers all the basics. You also might want to try the godgames website, they also have a huge Q-A section. As far as geometry is concerned, you need to know the trig concepts, but unless you will be majoring in Math, your not going be doing many geometric proofs. I also suggest, you get a book on Discrete Math, if you do decide to go to a University to get a degree in computer science, you will have to know discrete math, which is basically lots of logic. If you really want, sign up for a programming class at a local college and take the classes for Audit (no GPA counted). You will get a good idea of how things work, and will help you decide better. Hope that helps 🙂

 

[johnjohn320]

Thank you, I thought this thread had died away.🙂 Anyway, so your saying Geometry isn't too important? If so, that's good to hear. Trig I've read that I would need, and what I've learned thus far isn't too bad, and you didn't make it sound like it was going to be an incredibly in-depth part of it. I've never heard of discrete math, I'll have to look into that...thanks!

 

[johnjohn320]

Wow, I'm surprised that there aren't more people who work in that industry. They said it was gaining lots of popularity, and more and more people were getting into it.

 

[Argo]

Well, I don't work in the industry, but I'm getting into it. A couple of friends of mine (all excellent programmers) are thinking about working on a game engine. All of us are familiar with OpenGL, however, DX8 API sounds pretty promising too. Either way, you might want to keep both your geometry and linear algebra skills sharp.

 

[Adrian Tung]

Physics might be an interesting subject to pick up too. Many 3D engines use some sort of physics models, mainly force and gravity stuff.

🙂atwl