Viewing Thread:
"Anyone here a games programmer?"

Hey all,

Since I'm in 6th Form now, I'm starting to think about my future career options, and I really want to go in to either the film or computer game industries. Trouble is, I don't know how to go about getting there. If there is anyone on the forums who works for a games company, could they tell me the sort of qualifications you need to get a job in the industry?

Caution...software engineering really isn't that easy a course. I can say this reliably as I will be restarting my final year this September, after dropping out mid-way through this academic year due to ill-hgealth of a family member. It's involves a lot more work both practical and paper-work based that about 90% of other university courses. You will need to be adept with mathematical, design and good english skills. UYou'll also have to be able to pick up on coding very, very quickly. But I enjoy it and it's what I want to do. Just don't do it if you aren't serious.

Bonus wrote:
> I'm not in the industry, but I am studying BSc(Hons) Computer Games Technology
> at the University of Abertay, Dundee...............

I was going there, but messed up my A-Levels :(.

I intend on getting a job as a games programmer after I finish my degree.

As far as qualifications are concerned, you'll need at least a 2:1 degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or other very closely related course. Check out a copy of Edge - There are plenty of advertisments for gaming related jobs in that, and you can even contact a few to find out exactly what they require of potetntial employees.

I think its because its a way of "popping" a topic back to the top of the pile. A thread drops down (e.g. the Longest Thread) and somebody will go and find it. They`ll put in a message saying POP which brings it to the top.

Yo, pro! Could you please explain why everyone keeps going POP all the time please?

Small Frog wrote:



!!! I finally found a post by you Frog! Took ages, and now I can`t actually add anything of use, other than:


POP. :-)

MoJoJoJo wrote:
> I heard some guy saying you need a degree and LOADS of stuff before you can get
> into game making

It was on Game Network or summat


I just make my games
> on The Games Factory - no coding involved

-----------

I've used that - it's not bad at all - nice for practice if you like to learn the basics of the industry.

Regarding Degree qualifications...
Games Development Companies only want to see what you are capable of doing - info was complied from Acclaim Studios, after speaking with Nick Harper for information (lead designer on Extreme G3)

Anyway, take Art & Design for example...
You can teach an artist how to use a computer, but you cannot teach a computer guru to become an artist.

My mate says that his brother is in the games industry. He says that he got the job without any knowledge of programming, only knowing how to type, but I think my mate is bluffing.

I am trying very hard to get into the games/films industry myself, and you would not believe the competition.

I am currently looking to start off as a games tester. I am 18 years of age, and due to that, no company will take on someone as young as myself to work for them, earning more than £18,000 a year - and that's after TAX.

No fair!!!

I also want to be a games developer!

Does anyone here have contacts or know of any opportunities around the London area - mainly The City if possible please? - would really appreciate the help.

I heard some guy saying you need a degree and LOADS of stuff before you can get into game making

It was on Game Network or summat


I just make my games on The Games Factory - no coding involved