This is going to sound harsh.

The only way you're going to be able to catch up is if you devote your entire existence to programming. You will have to code hobby projects just to learn the nuances of programming that college courses don't have the time to teach you. College will teach you other important things, but it won't be enough to be up to par with good programmers.

There's no way you're going to be able to compete if you don't write code in your free time.

There is no 'too late.' I transferred into my school's CG department (part of its school of art and design) from Architecture (part of the architecture school) half-way through my sophmore year, and in a year I was at the top of my class skill wise (I kept high grades regardless because I put in tremendous effort). If you want to do it, and the drive is there, you'll make it. Just practice and hard work.

I apologize in advance if the post I am replying to was really, really dry sarcasm. Really dry.

Quote: Original post by Nypyren
The only way you're going to be able to catch up is if you devote your entire existence to programming.

I would like to say, with respect, that you are wrong. "Catch up"? Let's follow that statement to it's logical conclusion: if you can't catch up to those who have already been programming, then a person learning now will never be able to compete with those who have been in the industry already. So the current generation will never be as good as the last, therefore the industry will die in less than 40 years. Is this correct?

Catch up? Give me a break. A person can always learn.

Quote: You will have to code hobby projects just to learn the nuances of programming that college courses don't have the time to teach you. College will teach you other important things, but it won't be enough to be up to par with good programmers.

True, but this is completely different then "devoting your entire existence to programming". Theres more to life than being a troglodyte in a dark corner: I've been successful not only in my work AND my hobby projects, but I am married and have a life outside of games and programming.

Quote: There's no way you're going to be able to compete if you don't write code in your free time.

That part is somewhat true. You need to have a wide range of knowledge, and much of this is gained from spare time programming. But this still doesn't explain the logic of "catch up" or "devote your entire existence to programming".

Really dry.

Quote:
That part is somewhat true. You need to have a wide range of knowledge, and much of this is gained from spare time programming. But this still doesn't explain the logic of "catch up" or "devote your entire existence to programming".

I would also submit that the attitude of needing to devote every spare waking moment to programming or enhancing one's skillset is something that contributes to the industry's relatively high burn-out rate. While its true that most college courses don't teach you enough about programming (so you need to learn outside the classroom -- but this should be happening regardless of your major, field of study, et cetera), you do not need to be chained to your computer 24/7 to be successful.

Quote: Original post by lordmenace
Is that too late?

No.

Quote: What languages should I need to know for a job in the industry. C++,C, and maybe Python? Is that all?

No. You need to learn programming.

Quote: How many months our of the year do you work? If the game takes 9 months to complete, Will I be sent away for the 3 months and have to look for another job?

If the company is financially bouyant, in a good relationship with a publisher, or takes on sub-contract work, there should be year-round development. Otherwise, you may be laid off at the end of an 18- to 24-month project, simply because the company can't afford to keep paying you until it gets its next advance.

(Another reason why I'm in sales, not development.)

Quote: What exactly does a finished project mean?

What exactly does a "finished movie" mean? What exactly does a "finished meal" mean?

Quote: How big are the teams generally?

Depends on how big the game is and how much work is being done internally vs being outsourced/contracted.

Quote: Do all the programmers/artist/designers works in one big room?

No.

Quote: Is there interaction in the workplace?

Yes, provided that by "interaction" you don't mean a continuous stream of chatter. Most knowledge workers need periods of silence and concentration to put out reasonable amounts of work.

Quote: Is it easy to change from a developer/programmer to a designer?

No. If you want to be a "designer," look into project management, not programming.

Quote: What would you say the ratio is for African Americans in the industry?

Pitiful.

Quote: Original post by Oluseyi

Quote: How many months our of the year do you work? If the game takes 9 months to complete, Will I be sent away for the 3 months and have to look for another job?

If the company is financially bouyant, in a good relationship with a publisher, or takes on sub-contract work, there should be year-round development. Otherwise, you may be laid off at the end of an 18- to 24-month project, simply because the company can't afford to keep paying you until it gets its next advance.

(Another reason why I'm in sales, not development.)

programmers tend not to be the first up against the wall though, the contracters go first, then the testers.

Quote:

Quote: Do all the programmers/artist/designers works in one big room?

No.

depends where you work, some places yes, some places no.

Quote:

Quote: Is it easy to change from a developer/programmer to a designer?

No. If you want to be a "designer," look into project management, not programming.

again it's not quite as simple as that. Of course you can make the change from programmer to designer, it might mean changing companies. There are such things as technical designers, who code and design.

Also project management would help you as a producer, I don't see what benefit it'll bring a designer.

I know companies, now like to hire people who have had at least 4 years of college in C++. Maybe some companies use another language, but C++ is more common because of its power. A long time ago you could land of job without having even college experience, I believe, but now they have stepped up the boundaries. To find out which programming language you should learn you should look at the companies web site, they should have a job section and check out the requirements. Don't be surprised that the bigger the company the higher the requirements.