Programmers are essential when developing a video game. Programming in general requires a lot of talent, but designing a video game takes a lot of creativity as well. Not to mention that being a video game programmer has to be the most fun out of all of the programming careers out there (at least I think so). Although companies are constantly looking for new programmers, that does not mean that the field lacks competition: a lot of gaming computer geeks want in on the action. So how do you become the best of the best?
FYI: This post is a continuation of the Getting Into the Gaming Industry series which starts here. The information in this article will probably still be helpful even if you do not intend to go into programming, so make sure you keep on reading!
I’ll get right down to it: if you want to be a video game programmer, you need to have a four-year university degree, minimum. Game programming specific degrees are not always adequate, especially the ones that have been popping up at two-year colleges recently. Although the two-year degree may be a beneficial way to go ahead and construct a portfolio to apply to a four-year university, the two-year degree by itself will not get you far. That is not to say that all gaming degrees are ineffectual; Mike Capps of Epic Games mentioned Southern Methodist University has a programming degree that happens to focus on video games, which is a great option.
Beyond schooling itself, a video game programmer really needs to know all aspects of designing a game. For instance, you would need to understand how the art will fit. If you do not have a talent for art, I would recommend finding a graphic design teammate with whom you could collaborate. The artist also needs to understand programming to a certain extent, so it would be beneficial for both of you.
Once you are getting comfortable with programming, take a look at various game engines, such as Epic’s Unreal Engine. It is a great learning experience to work with an engine, especially learning how to tweak it effectively. Not to mention, it will turn out as a great portfolio piece.
Finally, at the panel I attended, panelists recommended Adobe’s InDesign as one of the programs. Adobe programs are not cheap, but it will be well worth the investment in the long run.
Well, these are all of the obvious traits that employers look for, but there is a little more that can give the extra edge:
- Do you pass the “elevator test?” While most people, especially those in the business world, would take this advice (i.e. how much of a first impression can you make if you only had sixty seconds), it is a little different in a developer’s eyes. Let’s face it: when you are really into playing a video game, you may not take a shower for, well… let’s just say that you probably are going to be smelling pretty raunchy. So the best way to phrase this advice would be, “would someone want to get on an elevator with me?”
- If you are not the “best” programmer, be the most social one. Mike Capps, the president of Epic Games openly admitted to not being the best programmer that is on his team. While he is still an exceptional programmer, he is also a very social and likable one. This piece of advice comes into effect after the elevator test, so ask yourself, “would that someone want to continue to get to know me after the elevator ride?”
- If at first you don’t succeed (first find out where you went wrong), then try, try again. Did you catch that phrase I added? If you are not hired for a job, ask the employer where you should improve. Not only will you show the employer that you are serious about working for their company, it will show that you can take constructive criticism and you will more than likely gain a networking contact.
So, programmers, best of luck to all of you in this amazing growing industry, and make sure you read my introduction post which includes tips for everyone that I did not include in this article. That would ruin the point of the first article. Plus, I like it when you click on my links. So click.