So You Want to be a Game Programmer? :: Computer Science

So You Want to be a Game Programmer?So, youre interested in fair a computer game programmer?Congratulations Game programming is one of the most difficult,challenging, and cool forms of programming. If you need a genuinetalent for it, you have excellent c arr prospects. Imagine gettingpaid an entry-level salary of $40,000 for something you actually enjoydoing. When you were a kid did your parents tell you that youll neveramount to anything if you waste your condemnation on computer games? Well,heres your chance to show them that you were right and they werewrong.There is currently only one way of getting a job as a gamesprogrammer, and that is to write a game - or more properly, write whatis known in the industry as a game demo. These days, a typical mercantile game might take 100,000 lines of C++ code written by a teamof 3 programmers over a period of 18 months with a budget of a milliondollars. As a novice game programmer, you are obviously not going tobe able to compete in that arena. But you can and should write a fullyfunctional game of about 10,000 lines of C++ code that shows off whatyou do best. Game companies are slight interested in your resume than inwhat you have done. So write a game, burn it on a CD, and send it tothe game companies that you would like to ready for. If they like it,you may strike it lucky.So where are you going to get the knowledge to write your game demo?One way is to get a college degree in Computer Science. Do you have tohave a college degree to get a job programming games? Not necessarily,but things are changing as the industry matures. You can get a job byprogramming a drop-dead game demo, but many companies are looking foremployees who have produced great games and have college degrees. Thismakes sense because college is a place where you can get thebackground knowledge that you need to be a agonistical gameprogrammer. If you are fortunate, it can also be a place to meetcreative people who can join and support you in y our quest.Choosing a CollegeA degree in Computer Science will help you on your way to becoming agame programmer, but you must hire your college very carefully. Govisit the Computer Science Department. You want one that is vigorous,active, exciting, and provides a comprehensive education. Look for adepartment with at least 15 full-time tenure-track faculty, and