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demo and sample codes??

Started by September 29, 2006 01:35 AM
4 comments, last by __ODIN__ 18 years, 1 month ago
I am thinking about applying for game programmer jobs. But I have a few questions regarding the so-called Demo and Sample codes. I have not applied for game jobs before so I am at a lost here. What kind of EXE is called Demo and what kind of Demo are companies typically looking for? Does Demo mean a complete game or game engine or can it be as small as sample applications comes with DX SDK? What kind of a Demo should I made while applying for programmer position? That may depend on the company I am applying for but I am complete lost here and I need some hints. Also, regarding sample codes, do I need to send sample code together with my resume? And the same question goes here. What kind of sample codes that companies are typically looking for? I believe sample codes should not be very big but should sample codes achieve something – like terrain rendering sample codes, particle systems etc. In sample codes, what kind of skills that companies like to see – is it cool hacks and tricks or OO and good design? Any help will be appreciated.
A demo or portfolio is evidence that you can do the job.

Without evidence, I cannot tell if you have ever programmed before in your life, or if you are very good at it.

There is no specific executable, or game engine, or SDK, or anything else needed for a dmeo. It is just evidence that you can do the job.

If you are able to create a polished demo, then you probably would be able to work in making a polished game.



To pull it away from programmers, let's think about art. Put yourself in the mind of an employer who has several artists to choose from, all with similar educations and background:

Are you going to pick one with actual finished pictures, or one with a portfolio of unfinished schetches? Will you consider someone who says they have never built a portfolio but do really great work? Would you pick the one who brings a portfolio of artwork that looks just like what you are looking for? What about the person who says, "I don't have a portfolio with me, but you will find my artwork featured in the magazine in your foyer", would you consider hiring them?


They are mainly concerned that you will be able to do the work. A demo is the easiest way to help that concern.
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Thank for the reply.

I have developed and published a few games online myself. Does it show that I will be able to develop and complete a game. Do I still need to make demo while I have published games under my belt?

But there is another problem. My games are not very complex (in programming) since it is done by only one person and does not demonstrate very complex programming and rendering techniques. Does the employee prefer to see a complex demo rather than published completed games?
Actually one of the biggest things is to show that you can follow through with a full product and not stop half way with "the next best thing". Quite honestly having a fully completed and polished game is much better than a demo highlighting a few areas of technology.

EDIT: Are the games you referring to the ones at totalgameplay.com? If they are I would be surprised if you aren't picked up by a studio very quickly by showing those. Employers want to hire people that have proven they know how to code, but even more importantly that they can learn and build things with that knowledge. Anybody can learn some technology and put demos together, but it takes a lot of dedication to see something through to completion.

Great work by the way :)
Thank! Yes I am refering to totalgameplay.com. one is 3D and the other one is 2D but none has very complex programming.
I notice that you're based in Rangoon, Myanmar. Are you looking for a job in Myanmar, or elsewhere? It's usually a lot harder to get a job if the company also has to get immigration / visa set up for you.

Fun to see another casual games developer from this part of the world, though... feel free to drop me a line at simonsen@boomzap.com if you wanted to chat about making casual games in se-asia, and possible biz opportunities.

Thanks,

Allan Simonsen
------------------------------ BOOMZAPTry our latest game, Jewels of Cleopatra

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