Quoting: boxermix11

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If you want to do something with games, it'll have to be somewhere where your talents lie. This could be in either the artistic'ish field (like drawing/sketching, modelling, texturing, script writing (as in story), audio and voice acting) or the technical side (programming) or anywhere in between (level design). One of the things that employers in the game industry look for is if the person has insight; insight in how games work, might work or should work. Furthermore, they also look if you can solve problems fast and if you're a team player. And finally, it is VERY important that you can demonstrate your work. Even if you think it sucks, it still shows that you are very very serious at getting into the business. So even if you have years and years of schooling ahead, participate in mod teams and do what you're good at in the meantime.

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Programmer at Triumph Studios

 Quoting: SHADOWCODE

If you want to do something with games, Thank you very much for your insperational information. I now have more hope. I just hope I learn where to get started. Hope I run into somebody one day and they'll like the way I think. Might open doors. (wishful thinking)

best way to get into it is to try and get on as a full time tester or a contract tester. meet some people leanr how the games work learn how to program etc

 Quoting: Jaikano

best way to get into it is to try and get on as a full time tester or a contract tester. meet some people leanr how the games work learn how to program etc

You know- there is another angle. Write a game. If you show potential, you may be able to interest an employer. Or, if you're really lucky (and/or have made an exceptional game), your work might interest a publisher. When that has happened, you are in an even better position- designing games. (and profiting from your work). It us a tough business to get into- what gamer-cum-programmer doesn't want to make games? But if you have a dream, nothing is gonna happen if you don't make it happen.

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I did a little work for a "games" company in Sheffield, I can't even remember what they're called any more. Their logo was a little yellow telephone. They had the licence to put Space Invaders to mobile phones. Either way, it was really, really boring. I ended up spending most of my time playing Baldurs Gate 2 on my laptop. First time I ever completed it. I don't recommend it. (Working on games, not playing them. Playing them is good).

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Iso.114
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best way to get into it is to try and get on as a full time tester or a contract tester. meet some people leanr how the games work learn how to program etc It us a tough business to get into- what gamer-cum-programmer doesn't want to make games? But if you have a dream, nothing is gonna happen if you don't make it happen.

Test isn't the way into the games industry it once was. It all depends what you want to do, some producers and designers are ex-testers, one of our testers became an animator. Testing can get you contacts and 'into the industry' but it can also work against you, most companies will just use you short term and then get rid of you. These days you should really apply for what you want to be. Want to be a programmer, get a degree, get a demo together and apply as a junior coder. Want to be an artist/animator, get a portfolio together and apply as a junior there and so on.

I don't recommend it. (Working on games, not playing them. Playing them is good).

it's a good point he brings up, working on games is very different - you've gotta be passionate about making them, it's not enough to be passionate about playing them.

 Quoting: it's a good point he brings up, working on games is very different - you've gotta be passionate about making them, it's not enough to be passionate about playing them.[/QUOTE

Thank you for your information....I want to be able to create fighting in a game. Does fighting in the game and the way the game um...moves/or plays the same thing? Say I am extremly considering trying something like this, how long would a game be in development for? Does it really matter WHERE you get your degree? I am also into music, who's to say is responsible for those kind of decisions? UMm.. does having a G.E.D matter at all? Is all the advertising as serious as they make it sound? If someone actually tried something like this with real goals in mind. What are the chances of me getting an oppurtuniy. I have a reall passion and see alot of things, I'll do anything to actually get a chance, or tell people my ideas. Or heh...try to make it be fighting.

nice one thx

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I'm on TMU, join the dark side.

I am hoping to get a job in the Industry so this will help Just need to learn how to mod now

updated the first post

I am currently in year 11 and will be soon choosing what to do with my life I would love to get into games (i also like films but games is my main choice). I am predicted a B in English and A/A* in Maths. I dont really know weather to go to college next or 6th form. I was looking at Gloscat and was going to take a National Diploma in Game Writing, Performing Arts and Film Studies. The more i think about the more i want to take another IT course and scrap Performing Arts. I was looking at going to uni and taking games design course in Bolton University. I have 2 questions: 1) Would any of those courses help me? 2) What kind of qualifications would you look for when going into the games industry? I still dont know exactly what i want to do in the games industry. Designing games is what i think i want to do. Quality Assurance seems good, writing looks good. Im no good at art btw. I just need some general help. Cheers

If you're planning to do a degree in straight Computer Science (like I did) then you'll need a maths A-level of some type, although the other A-levels are less important (I did Physics, Maths with Mechanics and Computer Science, but I have almost no artistic skill to speak of). I'm not yet a fan of the gaming degrees, as I still feel you get a better shot at a good job with an academic qualification than a vocational one, but they do seem to be improving. The main disadvantage of a gaming related degree is that if you find you don't want to be in the games industry after all (whether immediately, or after years of doing it, it does happen) you might need to do some serious retraining. Ring or email some of the universities that are offering the courses you're interested in, they should be able to put you in touch with someone that can talk to you about the kinds of college level qualifications they're looking for.

For my next year, first year in uni... I'm taking Computer Science with a bit of maths, already doing university physics and programming by myself. They also offer a software engineering major where it is just that: software pratical and theory. So I'm really on a cross road, CS does include some nifty bits about hardware, optimisation, architecture and asm, a double major of CS with Electronics are more indepth but also more work. SE on the other hand, would give me all the skills to write good clean code. Hard to choose...

Can't you choose a bit of both? Be careful though, it's like multiclassing a character, it's easy to **** up

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Programmer at Triumph Studios

In my comp sci department (Glasgow uni), the computer scientists and software engineers were taught together the only difference being the SE's had to do an industry placement between 3rd & 4th year and they (SE) were limited in their choice of modules - the couldn't, for example, do the AI or graphics modules. SE does not make you a better programmer than CS. SE focuses on the software engineering side of things (funny that), but as a computer scientist you can still learn that side too, I did some SE courses - they're more heavily into requirements engineering and design, that sorta stuff. We also had to the beginning of 3rd year to decide which to do - talk to your uni, find out what the difference is, what you may be restricted from doing they'll be happy to help.

I am going to try to get in game design someday Right now I am at Capefear doing computer engineering, but hope to then transfer to anothor collage to get what I need to get a degree in game design

Wow I'll check those out. I would like to have a go in the Game industry. Although I'm only 15 at the moment and I'm still finishing my GCSEs. But I have still made some games and I'm currently writing a 3D Game Engine in C++. i also know a fair few languages so I'm hoping I'll have a slight headstart when i get into college, university then a job.

lol well I just got a offer from sffordshire university (to get into uni). (although Im waiting on a teeside response). So guess next I have to fide a placment for the placment year =). Gonna have to do some networking at GDC London next year :S. Ty for the links =) they shud help... Just to answer a few questions:

I have 2 questions: 1) Would any of those courses help me?

Ok games design is like the most saught after job. in terms of courses, go to college/6th form and then Teeside uni is basically teh best in the UK (i'm applynig there now, I contacted codemasters and a few other companies and they all advised teeside most). They have 3 courses; art, design and programming. I wouldn't go for quality assurance. You'll be on basically minimum wage (or close), and the game probarbally wont be at the "fun" stage when your testing it... The chances are you will be doing set tasks and seeing if it crashes... (although QA is probarbaly a good stepping stone to other jobs within that company).

2) What kind of qualifications would you look for when going into the games industry?

Ok well lets look at one of the current lionhead jobs:

"Junior XSI Animator Prototype Team Ideal applicants will have studied Softimage XSI for a minimum of 1year within an MSc or BA hons Degree in Animation course. All applicants must be able to provide a clear link to their on line portfolio's or provide a CDR/DVDR reel and have a showreel that clearly demonstrates the principles of animation."

So basically most companies look for a degree, although looking at this - XSI? Who the hell uses XSI for animating lol *rolls eyes*. Anyways basically you probarbally want a degree of some kind. Personally I plan on fdoing a BA Hons, and then getting a masters degree to give me a step on the other graduates trying to get a job in 3d modelling. Some universitys also offer PhDs but I think 5/6 years of university will be over kill...

"I'm currently writing a 3D Game Engine in C++. i also know a fair few languages so I'm hoping I'll have a slight headstart when i get into college, university then a job."

Jeez ure 15 and know c++ man :S... Ive tryed a few times but, well I just cant get my head around arrays within arrays and stuff... I'll just stick to art :-P.

 Quoting: Hilm

...snip...

That... was very confusing. Could you edit it & use the quote tags? *edit* Were you even quoting somebody?

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Programmer at Triumph Studios

 Quoting: SHADOWCODE

That... was very confusing. Could you edit it & use the quote tags? *edit* Were you even quoting somebody?

Better now?

Nice. This is very interesting since this is one of the career paths I'm thinking to take.

 Quoting: Hilm

Better now?

Cheers, it makes sense now!

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Programmer at Triumph Studios

hello lads, my life is just beggining - i begin my schooling as a computer programmer this fall quarter, first i will earn an associate in computer science at the local community college and then the plan is a transfer to digipen (tech school) and spend four years locked in a degree program for "computer science and simulation" during the time i am at digipen things are locked into place - but for the next two years i will basically have free will over the courses i take (aside from required courses) and i was wondering if any pros or long-time experiance game industry people, or just someone with a few good thoughts, has any idea as to what electives, courses, or oppertunities i should take in order to make my personal track-record as apealing to those with pens and checkbooks as is possible.

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"The love of truth lies at the root of much humor." - Robertson Davies

Thanks alot, very useful now that i'm already going in 3d school it's nice to know what to do to get a job

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