Game programming focus
Alright, I'm back, I can't stay away from you guys t-t.
ANYWAYS. Does anyone know if a generic CS degree with a focus in software development would be enough to get a job programming for a game development comapny? I'm thinking of taking a bunch of classes on AI so that could help :\ but I'm not sure. The reason I ask is none of the schools I can afford offer a bachelors degree CS with a focus in Game programming. thusly the school i go to doesnt offer one.
I've always been against game programming as a career...but i've come to realize it's my passion. not just software developement, or computer science as a whole. I wanna make games.
Thank you for your time.
ANYWAYS. Does anyone know if a generic CS degree with a focus in software development would be enough to get a job programming for a game development comapny? I'm thinking of taking a bunch of classes on AI so that could help :\ but I'm not sure. The reason I ask is none of the schools I can afford offer a bachelors degree CS with a focus in Game programming. thusly the school i go to doesnt offer one.
I've always been against game programming as a career...but i've come to realize it's my passion. not just software developement, or computer science as a whole. I wanna make games.
Thank you for your time.
Welcome back, Seraph. How's the Matrix? The Oracle?
I suppose that depends on the company. Some will require a minor in Art on top of CS, others will take people without a CS or Art degree if they show enough motivation. Did you have any in mind?
-Albatross
I suppose that depends on the company. Some will require a minor in Art on top of CS, others will take people without a CS or Art degree if they show enough motivation. Did you have any in mind?
-Albatross
nah no company in mind yet, there is one here where I go to school but I dont know about them.
I dont really want to minor in art :\ I wonder if I can get by with a physics minor, you know, working on their physics engine or something :O
I dont really want to minor in art :\ I wonder if I can get by with a physics minor, you know, working on their physics engine or something :O
At the very least take as much math as you can. But in general, I would say if the company is willing to
hire a college grad into game development, they aren't going to expect too much beyond good programming
skills with some math background.
hire a college grad into game development, they aren't going to expect too much beyond good programming
skills with some math background.
// I hear all the time about places who don't even care if you have a HS Diploma, as long as you can prove to them you can program.
With the Comp Sci program at the univeristy I attend Math is an automatic minor. they require enough classes to have a math minor for the comp sci major. and physics is only 2 classes away.
As far as education goes in Game Development companies, Computer Science, EE, Physics and Mathematics majors have the best shot (comp. science being the most common). The reality however is that no amount of education will get you the job. Game Development applicants are REQUIRED to submit a working portfolio demonstrating their skills in AI, 3d, etc... and most importantly, show they can complete a project... considering the vast majority of universities do not cover 3d graphics programming, most are self taught. The AI courses you will take are not really geared toward game programming as they mainly cover TRUE artificially intelligence. This is not to say it won't be of value, but you'll probably end up grabbing a book on game AI as its more concerned with partial AI. Pure AI would result in a God object that would ruin the game.
As far as mathematics and physics, depending on the type of position you are applying for, it may or may not be a deal breaker. There are several types of game programming positions ranging from game mechanics & ai, to tools and physics. I don't recommend a physics or mathematics major unless you plan to work on the physics engine... which quite honestly is the most boring position IMHO.
The best thing you can do is get the CS degree, maybe a minor in physics or math as well to show your range of abilities and then develop some impressive games.
As far as mathematics and physics, depending on the type of position you are applying for, it may or may not be a deal breaker. There are several types of game programming positions ranging from game mechanics & ai, to tools and physics. I don't recommend a physics or mathematics major unless you plan to work on the physics engine... which quite honestly is the most boring position IMHO.
The best thing you can do is get the CS degree, maybe a minor in physics or math as well to show your range of abilities and then develop some impressive games.
Thank you very much for the indepth response, Ret.
I'm a computer science major now with a declared minor of math and physics. ALSO I've got a small portfolio of games I've developed, ranging from a simply mario like game...to my current undertaking "Artifice" a 2D adventure game that focuses on the creation of spells and transmutations based on creating your own symbols and equations (i use this term lightly) from the ones you've discovered.
I have at least 4 years to expand my knowledge as well as my portfolio before I start looking for a job.
P.S. I thought that having the skills/education not automatically getting you a job in any field would be a no brainer o.o
I'm a computer science major now with a declared minor of math and physics. ALSO I've got a small portfolio of games I've developed, ranging from a simply mario like game...to my current undertaking "Artifice" a 2D adventure game that focuses on the creation of spells and transmutations based on creating your own symbols and equations (i use this term lightly) from the ones you've discovered.
I have at least 4 years to expand my knowledge as well as my portfolio before I start looking for a job.
P.S. I thought that having the skills/education not automatically getting you a job in any field would be a no brainer o.o
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