Hi, I''m considering undertaking a course in 3d Animation for Computer Games at a school that trains specifically for games. It will take two years and I will receive a diploma in 3d Animation for Computer Games apon completion. I have the following questions: 1)Does a diploma count for much/anything when looking for a job in the game development industry? 2)What’s the pay like for 3d Animators/artists? 3)How do you go about finding a job? 4)Is there much demand within the industry for more people? I keep hearing conflicting theories on this, some say there''s lots of jobs opening up, and others say the industry is contracting. 5)What kind of hours (work) does a typical Animator/artist do? 6)Is there much/any job security? I''m interested in any help you can give, particularly people actually working within the industry. Thanks in advance.

Another good place to look for information is www.igda.org (international game developers association) They have a good web site you might find usefull called "breaking in" and a forum dedicated to students and such looking to get into the industry. A good salary survey, which seems a little optimistic, and some benefits upon membership.
A membership for a student (which you will soon be, or already are) is only 25 dollars, but I believe a great deal of content is available without one. They also have local chapters you can meet depending on your location.

1) Not really, companies would more likely be impressed with a good demo reel.

2) Check gamasutra''s site. You should be able to find a link to the annual salary review they post.

3) Check the web (gamejobs.com and the like, hit the company web sites as well) and send out a demo reel to every company you can.

4) Artists will always be needed. The demand might not be great, but there will always be openings.

5) Usually pretty normal hours, assuming the producer does his job right. The company I worked for it was usually the programmers that put in the killer hours.

6) If you''re good and get into a good company, yes. That''s the problem though. Once you get in you should be ok, assuming you don''t take a job with some hole-in-the-wall shop. The problem is getting in.