I wouldn't worry about not making any money. Software developers can make a good living. You may not necessarily be developing games, but if you enjoy programming then you'll be fine. I've been working in the software industry for almost 5 years now. I've developed business, educational, and military applications and program games on the side. For lots of us, job satisfaction comes from problem solving, not creating the next Quake. There are lots of interesting problems out there that have nothing to do with games.

What I would worry about is how you plan on reaching your goal of becoming a computer programmer. If you're struggling with your grades in High School, then that should raise a flag for you. Something needs to change. College isn't easier than high school, and getting into a college is only the start. You still have to pass your lower division classes, apply and get accepted into the CS program, pass your upper division courses, graduate, and find a job. It can be tough, and lots of people drop out on the way.

Now, on to all those who say that a degree isn't necessary. You're right, you can learn lots about computers and programming from reading books. But you're also closing a lot of doors. My company doesn't even seriously look at applicants unless they have a college degree. They even wanted to make a copy of it when I started. I agree that a degree isn't everything, that's why companies do interviews and look at experience, but at least it's a reference point. Good luck finding an entry level job without any formal education.

[edited by - sblanch on May 19, 2003 3:35:58 PM]

When just starting you either need to make a product which gets picked up by a real publisher or make impressive demos that get you hired.

You''re 15. If you want to be a game programmer walk into a store that sells games, buy one (or just use one you enjoy and already own) and then program it. Helpful hint, stick to games with pretty simple rules to start (Monopoly, sorry, mouse trap, ect). Then build up to CCG games (Magic, Pokemon, Yu gi oh, ect) which will teach you how to make RPGs. Or, if you''re feeling creative, come up with a game idea and make it. If you don''t want to be a designer then learning how to read a design doc (the instruction manual) and emulate it on the PC is fine. Because that''s what game programmers do. They take a set of rules and design guides and code it.

If you hate or just can''t exert the effort required to make a PC version of an existing product, find a new line of work.

Ben


IcarusIndie.com


KalvinB - (to Jessika) do you accept Jesus as your lord and savior

Jessika - Sure I can accept all forms of payment.

Hmm... Well, first up it might be a warning sign if you are struggling with highschool. The question is _why_ are you struggling? Are you board? (I know I usually was) Bad in some subjects? (hated most of my math instructors and self destructed in math ;-( ) Ask yourself why and be honest about it. Can/are you willing to fix what is wrong? (I worked like a madman in college to try and catch up on math)

In general computer programming requires good problem solving skills, but not necassarily math skills. Game coders frequently need math however, so be warned.

To land a decent programming job a 4 year degree is helpful, and almost a requirement for medium/big companies - at least out here in Ohio it is. Some places will take you without any degree (2 or 4 year), but be prepaired to start at lower pay and work for (much) less desirable firms. ;-(

People skills are also an important part of programming now a days. Think group meetings, talking to customers, talking to 3rd party vendors, dealing with your boss(es), networking, etc). Employers look for team players, I am betting that the lone coder in vacuum is pretty much a fading myth most places now.

I mentioned problem solving already...

Experience helps. An internship is great. Or, at least a major project you can point to. Like, a dynamic web page hooked up to a database or something. If you don''t get such a thing assigned to you, do one on your own over the summer.


As to pay? Varies by region. Here in Ohio expect say 35k-40K starting. Which is not too bad given cost of living, but not the 40-50k it used to be. Demand is currently pretty spotty, but by the time you are out, the market will be very different anyway.


As to education? Find the profs that make you work hard and take one of their courses each semester (if you can handle more great). The skills you learn from those prof''s willing to push you will really help later - at least as long as they are teaching some meaningful subject: databases, VC / C#, java, web, data structures, algorithms or graphics/AI(for games), etc.


A community college is not a bad start. I know they tend to have a strong applications focus which can really help landing a job. Just transfer in to a college to finish off and get some theory as well.

Hope that helps,
Dave









Problem solving skills
Willingness to work hard, say 50+ hours a week

For all that you might start around 40s here in the

Really? Actualy, while not having a degree will shut you off from submissions of job applications for many a company. You should have no problem if your portfolio is above the rest. And getting some name recognission in the field is not a bad thing either. Would you hire Richard Garriot without a college degree?

Internships are key. I pretty much bust my ass at school (I get pretty much straight As), am active in my school''s Game Development Club.

So this summer I wanted to be a QA guy for Infogrames (now Atari), but they wouldn''t hire me because I could only work for the summer, and they needed people to work past that.

So I got pissed off and sent out my resume to every game company in the area and I pretty much landed my dream job. Actually it''s not a job, but it''s a paid internship which is even better. I''m learning so much and I love it here.

Hopefully I will keep this job all the way through until I graduate. Getting your foot in the door is very difficult, but once you do that there are many options available.

-- Steve --
Blue Fang Games

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Original post by PaulCesar
Really? Actualy, while not having a degree will shut you off from submissions of job applications for many a company. You should have no problem if your portfolio is above the rest. And getting some name recognission in the field is not a bad thing either. Would you hire Richard Garriot without a college degree?

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The catch to that is that you won''t be able to get name recognition very easily... not many people sit at home programming the next Ultima Online..:-P... though if you happen to be good enough to sell yourself like that, then college probably isn''t necessary..

quote:

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Original post by PaulCesar
Really? Actualy, while not having a degree will shut you off from submissions of job applications for many a company. You should have no problem if your portfolio is above the rest. And getting some name recognission in the field is not a bad thing either. Would you hire Richard Garriot without a college degree?

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Sure, but you have to start somewhere. You have to get your foot in the door to build experience. Landing your first job can be tough. If you can increase the odds of getting one, why not do it?

What makes you think that a struggling HS student can create a portfolio above the rest? Even if he is a superstar, a degree will only increase his value to prospective employers. Again, why not do it?

People have different tallents, im not saying it is the proper decision for him, and i am not apt to properly gauge his skills. But if the public education system is not working for the chap, there is probably a large chance it wont in the future. If this is the case, and he IS talented at what he does, it is important to be hauling ass on his demo reel.