A Practical Question...
I'm 28 and I want to make video games(or a specific game). I am armed with intro/novice level programming exposure in c++ years ago and java more recently...
Realistically, how long would it take for me to get to a skill level where i could contribute to a game dev. team?
What type of commitment would I have to make(hours/wk?) to get on that level.
Realistically, how long would it take for me to get to a skill level where i could contribute to a game dev. team?
What type of commitment would I have to make(hours/wk?) to get on that level.
We can't really answer that. We don't know if you're a genius or really lucky or have a close relative who works for Valve, etc. etc.
Keep in mind though: EVERYBODY wants to make games and there are only so many jobs out there. Either you enjoy programming enough to become a professional or you don't. If the only reason you're getting into C++ is games you should probably stick to just playing them.
Keep in mind though: EVERYBODY wants to make games and there are only so many jobs out there. Either you enjoy programming enough to become a professional or you don't. If the only reason you're getting into C++ is games you should probably stick to just playing them.
@tongpu: This is really more of a business question, do you want this bad enough to scratch together your own team and have a go at it by yourself? Remember big companies like EA don't hire people, they buy out smaller firms who's employee's then become theirs.
There are probably enough open source projects out there for you to jump into at least one of them, this would be a good start on your resume. Realistically though don't dedicate your life to chasing some dream job like making FPS's. If you like it enough and you're good then do it by yourself, maybe get a few others in on it but keep it as a side project.
What it sounds like you are doing is equal to that guy who thinks he can quit his dayjob and become a full time carpenter. You're better off woking on the side.
There are probably enough open source projects out there for you to jump into at least one of them, this would be a good start on your resume. Realistically though don't dedicate your life to chasing some dream job like making FPS's. If you like it enough and you're good then do it by yourself, maybe get a few others in on it but keep it as a side project.
What it sounds like you are doing is equal to that guy who thinks he can quit his dayjob and become a full time carpenter. You're better off woking on the side.
Take a professional course. That's probably the best advice I can offer. You're going to be in it for at least a few years (5+, I'd estimate). Open source stuff is a great way to get your footing. But unless you plan to really commit some time to your plans and dreams, you should really not consider making a commercial quality game.
@computergeek: I agree, it's a bit unrealistic. But at least this guy accepts that he's going to be working as a team. Compare that to some people, who learn hello world and want to know how to make their own MMOs.
Solo. (That's millions of hours of work. You'd be cranking it out for somewhere between 20 and 50 years alone.)
@computergeek: I agree, it's a bit unrealistic. But at least this guy accepts that he's going to be working as a team. Compare that to some people, who learn hello world and want to know how to make their own MMOs.
Solo. (That's millions of hours of work. You'd be cranking it out for somewhere between 20 and 50 years alone.)
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