Comments on: Thoughts on Video Game Programming jobs

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:18:08 +0000

Have you seen http://compsci.ca/blog/6-degrees-of-computer-science/ ? It could give you an idea to get started, but typically Computer Science and Software Engineering comes with a lot of overlap. Since “Engineering” is not a licensed profession in United States (as oppose to Canada), the difference might be even further blurred.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:15:52 +0000

Can anyone explain the difference between a Software Engineering and a Computer Science Degree. My top pick for a school I want to go to only offers Software Engineering.

By: David

David — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:17:20 +0000

Hello,

I am currently in grade 12, and I am looking at attending university next year and taking a computer science course. Like almost everyone else here, I love games and I want to be a video game programmer. I am in a grade 12 programming course right now and I have been trying to learn C# for a bit.

Anyway, I have been looking at Carleton, Toronto, Ryerson, Waterloo and Western but I am not sure where I want to go, they all sound pretty good. I was wondering if you could tell me what the deciding factors were for you and if you are happy with your choice. I am scared that I will pick a university and then regret it later.
How are the residences at Carleton, I went on a tour but it was during exams so I didn’t get to see them.

Also, I am not sure whether it would be better to take a comp sci course or a software engineer course or others. What have you found?

Sorry about bombarding you with questions, I am really worried, but thanks so much in advance for responding.

David

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:38:44 +0000

This is the place for you to visit -- CompSci.ca Forums: Student Life; lots of discussion on admission to and studying at UW. You'd probably find some insightful information posted there already, or create a new topic if you can't find what you are looking for.

By: Christian

Christian — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:38:47 +0000

Hey Guys,

I’ve read alot of the comments and in most of the comments, almost all want to recieve a degree in computer science. Well, to me, its kinda too broad. I’m currently in grade 12 and Its that time of the year where I have to decide what course I am to take for university. I seriously love games and I plan on being a game programmer too. I took the grade 11 computer programming and got a great mark, and I’m taking the grade 12 computer programming next semester.

Anyways, I took co-op this semester and I’m a QC for 3 hours every day I plan on studying in U of Waterloo. There’s this new course double degree in computer science and business. Uhmm, I’m thinking of taking this but I kinda want to take the Software Engineering as well.

Uhmm, guys, would software engineering degree give me an advantage in landing me a game programming position? Also, in terms of learning, would I learn more in software engineering than computer science in becoming a game programmer?

thanks alot guys

By: manu

manu — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:20:29 +0000

Holy jesus! im also 17 and i also want to be a game programer. but im scared, what if i don’t find a job, what if i have to wash my hair with rain water. i just hope im making the right decision. Im soo nervous of what will happen with my life.

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:35:23 +0000

If I pull out some random statistic, like “42%”, that would be describing an average, not necessary how well you’ll fare. Games are gonna be made; someone will need to design those levels. If you are good at what you do, the chances will be in your favour.

By: david allen

david allen — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:31:22 +0000

please email me back with any input you can offer, now i dont care for programming or math, but im about 2 months away from going to ringling and game art will be my forteau, ive done alot of different things in my life and i have always made atleast 50k a year now i want to something i believe i would enjoy doing and not for money, anyway if you could tell me the odds of getting a job in the industry from the artistic side im interested in level design and enviroment design thanks

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:13:37 +0000

I found the sober tone of your article to be spot on with everything I have ever uncovered in my search for information on video game development.

My measuring stick of success is to work for a studio such as Blizzard – one with high quality products, and high demands of its potential employees…

I’m 26, and finishing my enlistment in the Air Force. I have been sure of my heart’s desire to be a programmer of video games for as long as I remember, but could neither afford college, nor break family tradition of military service. I already have an Associates of Computer Science, but plan to attend school for a Bachelors of Computer Science.

My question is if you or anyone reading has an opinion regarding DigiPen’s RTIS program [http://www.digipen.edu] as a choice for earning my Bachelors of CS. I want to be competitive to any potential employer right at graduation, and was hoping someone out there either attended the program there, or has heard something about it.

I have already invested a fair amount of time in finding the right school, and they appear to be far more than just another “tech-school”.

Students of DigiPen created titles such as Portals (part of the Half-life Orange Box), and Rumblox (for the Wii) as their senior projects, and were purchased/hired on merit of those projects alone. Those aren’t isolated cases, there are quite a few.

By: C.J.

C.J. — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:48:46 +0000

Hey dude straight up I’m only 17 and I have a passion to learn more about the gaming industry. Like you I want to make a game that people look at and say it is a “master piece” I know I have a lot to do to get where I need to go and it will be tough, but it will be worth it in the long run.