Hey, i am a student of computer science and i will have a BS degree in about 3 months. After that i plan to continue my studies for 2 more terms to get a masters degree (software engineering with focus on computer graphics (real-time graphics)). I know that it's realy difficult to get a decent job in the game industry. The competition is hard! I guess every studio gets probably hundreds of resumes per month, so only the best of the best with alot of experience will get the jobs. When i have finished my studies, i plan to go to the usa for a few years to gain experience. I am not only interested to work in the game sector, any rewarding (not especially in terms of money) job in the computer graphics field is interesting for me. Can you give me any advices for my plans ? What can i do to increase my chances for a good job (i dont have any experience in the PROFESSIONAL gaming industry, but i have already worked on 2D/3D engines, networking, i am not dumb ;) and i consider myself as a pretty good programmer. Sure, i still have a lot to learn, but life is a constant learning process anyways). Any feedback is appreciated! -bernd

Sounds like you have plenty of time to put together a good deal of demos that demonstrate your abilities. With no prior experience the best thing exployers have to go on is the demos you show them of past projects and such.

Hi Bernd,

I'm not that experienced but I know there are a lot of software engineers here in the USA why not try a european game company? france has some of the biggest publishers (vivendi) and studios (ubisoft). Why not try your chances there? You probably also speak french in austria? I moved from europe to canada to do research in computer games only to discover there are a lot of game companies in europe. ;-)

@DrEvil,

yes, thats exactly what i do at the moment. I try to produce as much as possible (with decent quality) to create a little portfolio.

@eelke_folmer,

french is not realy common here ;) but i have also thought about staying in europe.. thing is, i am also interested in the country/lifestyle in the usa - that's why i would realy like to spend a few years there. But hey, maybe this changes until i am finished. You never know..


thanks for the replies so far!

One thing that would greatly increase your chances to get hired by the big guys (if you really want that, which I think you don't :D) is to work with some independent team and finish an independent game.
There are quite a few successful independent games around, which can use some help.

Demos are nice, but usually working with others at a game is better because:
1. It demonstrates that you can work in/with a team.
2. Shows that you are dedicated (a game takes more time and work than a demo)
3. Shows that you understand all the phases of game development (planning, coding, bug fixes, interacting with the fans, and so on).

Yeh, it's tough... my game could use some help...

I'm doing it in the indie way. That's one option. Some people put together demos... or work as "assistant/trainee" in game companies. Some do MODDING.

Good luck with your career.

i have the same problem... i would like to work in a video game company, but it seems to be tough. contrary to the other person, i have created some demos, but now i'm want to get involved on team projects...

are they some online game company teams ?


cheers...

[Edited by - jolyqr on February 19, 2006 2:47:34 PM]