Video game careers

[TheForce]

What are you thoughts on this?

Alot of kids are wanting to become video game designers, and colleges are being put up just for game programs.

But the commericals for these colleges are a joke.. If you watch g4tv you know what i mean.

So what are the REAL ways to get into the video game industry?

[PsiRedEye22]

I played in the CPL for Counter-Strike 1.4, if this counts as what you're talking about.

I made about 15k a year doing it, and you cannot live on that whatsoever. The only way to make it as a professional gamer is to beat literally EVERYBODY else and get merchandise deals.

[No0n3]

Meh, I don't know much about it, but I'd just study programming languages and/or learn to work with video rendering programs. You'll probably become one of EA's slaves though.

[Slid3r]

It's not that hard to be a video game designer. You just need a controller and a box that adds sound effects and BOOM, you got a mega hit!!

You can get into the video game industry in many ways. You should go to a REAL college with a .edu website and major in comp sci or graphic design or marketing or management. Anyone can get into the industry as long as you are qualified and have the drive to SUCCEEED!!!

[Mr.SelfDestruct]

Best place to start is with mods. Tribes has a good scripting system, and it should be easy enough to figure out how to make mortars fly 3000 meters away, or a disc to deal triple damage. Unreal's scripting is pretty similar, and more powerful at the same time.

Make a few weapon mods, learn a bit how the system works. Than try to do a few other things, such as change movement, jump height, etc... Once you've got a decent idea of how it all works, you could try creating something different altogether. Play it a bit with some other people, look for problems with balance or any bugs.

Next would be mapping. Again, Unreal is a good game to do this with. The mapping system is amazing, and easy enough to learn the basics on. Make a simple map with everything needed in it, weapons, health, armor. Than just move on from there, make it more complicated. Add moving objects. Learn how to use the terrain editor, etc.

After that, learn to make your own character models, and texture them. The trick to this is creating a nice looking model, while keeping the poly-count low.

After you've done all that, you've learned the basics. You can either practice making more involved mods, or move on to learning C++ to create your own game from scratch.

[IGneois]

"Where do you think this guy should move?"
"This way, and lets put that sound effect in from the last level"
"This one?"
"Yeah, you know..im really glad we got into game design, its fun to make the type of games we like to play"
"I know what you mean and at collins college it takes less time then most people might think."
"Can you believe we get payed to do this?"

:lmao:

[h4z4rd]

^^^LOL those guys in that commercial are horrible actors.

[temp100]

Well I want to be a game programmer. So I'm currently doing a BE in software engineering. I'll probably do a ME or PhD then maybe do a small game coding course after that (if I need it).

I'd say that a BSc in comp sci probably doesn't quite cut it for game programming. I'd like to do a bit of game testing on the side as well.

[GoGoGooManGo]

Well the thing about game programming is that it's extremely competitive. If you're not willing to sit in front of a computer and code for hours and put in TONS of overtime, then you're out. I think my Dad was going to be one but he wanted to start a family...so here I am. BUT! Programmers are the best paid, insured and have a lot of vacation time. You REALLY have to love games.

But once you have a lot of experience as a programmer you can go on to game design which gives you better hours and thus the ability to start a family and such.

[Assclownery]

Lawl:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UhzJTN5ytps

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gwlE1aASc4g

Extra lawls:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzZcL-irAE&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAt7VDa9LsQ

[Assclownery]

Haha, that was great. I watched 1, 2 and 3, but for some reason forgot 4. The best one, for sure.

[h4z4rd]

LOL! Part 4 is epic! :lmao:

[Cee]

I agree with MODS, best way to showcase your skills, and a lot of companies are not like Wal-Mart where you have to come to them approach. A lot of designers and programmers play games so they'll always keep up to date with the latest mods for games and looking for the upcoming star.

Another good way to get in the industry is make your own game from scratch like a home made client. My friend took programing and graphic design, he recently looked for funding to start a flash based MMO which will he'll work on with 2 others.

[ChocoChipCamo]

Those commercials make my sides hurt every time.

Personally, I'm going for a position as a character animator/modeler/director of animation (big position). I would love to work at Sony SantaMonica where they created God of War 1 and 2. Cory Barlog (Director of GoW2) came to my college and we had a pretty exclusive event with him. He's a really awesome, down to earth guy and really started from nothing before he got into Game Directing. One of the animators that came with him was actually from my school (CSUN). It was a great experience and really inspiring. The animation program here is great, and my professor regularly hooks us up with internships, animation seminars, and all that goodness. Currently trying to get my foot in the door at Dreamworks.

I've looked into it, and asked some seasoned animators, and they say it's a pretty good living. Just gotta have tons of dedication to the job, and motivation, which I've got in spades.