Becoming a game developer...

[kevenka]

Do you guys know what it takes to become a game developer? I am somewhat interested but all I can think that would lead me to such a career path is computer engineering or software engineering. Any one know much about it?
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[DeMoN]

There are many colleges with majors that are specific to game designing. I suggest you choose those if you plan on becoming a video game developer.

Computer/Software engineering are broad majors and don't necessarily mean game designing, but you will have higher job flexibility in case you can't find a game developer job.

 

[Razorwing]

I did Computer Science with Games Development for my degree, with going into the games industry in mind. Being able to code in C++ and DirectX are a must and you need to be pretty good at maths as well cause there is a surprising amount of equation work to work out the effects of gravity etc.

Bear in mind it is a very competitive market to get into straight out of uni and you will probably need some 'professional' experience. I am now working as a normal Software Engineer, doing some stuff for aerospace and defense whilst building up a decent portfolio of games I have coded myself, as these can really tip the scales in your favour during an interview.

 

[kevenka]

thanks graem and demon,
Yea, I want to be a developer but sometimes I don't know how risky that career path is. (My idea is to integret learning how to read, play, and understand music thoery such as chord progression on a system such as the wii) I am not sure if they are developing that, but I tihnk that would be a big hit if they design it with enough option and competitiveness.

 

[Foxle]

For the love of [insert deity here], do NOT get a "Gaming Degree" from your local technical college.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars...a-waste-of-time

They've been proven to be almost worthless. Your best shot is to major in Computer Science and do some graphics design work as a minor.

 

[Panzer Tacticer]

My advice, talk to a person that actually KNOWS.

I for instance like a few wargames that were made by guys that are basically one man companies.

Strategic Command from Battlefront.com for instance is made by a fellow Canadian named Hubert Cater. He has a very success design according to his audience that being wargamers.

Now that is a guy that can tell you what HE thought was important to make games.

Of course if all you wish is to be a slave in a cubicle working for some mega company, well I suppose I can't give you any answers there.