This is my first post on this forum. so... I'm about to graduate from a university and I want to be a game programmer... I decided this late in my education and made a switch to math. Gaming has been a part of life since I was 4 and I have plenty of ideas that I would love to implement. I'm wondering what I can do to improve or make a resume that will at least land me an internship if not a job. Basically I have a 3.35 GPA in math from a top 10 public university in the United States. I tutor people in java and python. Does anyone have any advice on where I should start?

you need to start making games. 2d games, and small 3d games. But if you have alot of time on your hands join a group of people and work on a large 3d game together. Keep at it and then you will have something wonderful to show in your resume. Without any game demos studio's will not hire you because you don't seem to have any experience in game programming.

my advice is to start making 3d demos of lots of different technical things. Like you could make a physics engine and make a game out of that. Or a liquid simulator. and make a boat game. Or just make a good 3d game that has been well polished and shows you have all the technical skills required to create a game. Remember it doesn't have to be fun it just have to show of different skills.
hope this helped

What programming languages do you know?

Seconding what emforce says. You need to start working on games to demonstrate your skills. It's extremely difficult to get an entry level game programming job without any kind of portfolio. My understanding is that it's better to have games in your portfolio than tech demos.

Also you're most likely going to want to learn C++ to a high standard. If you already know C++, I'd recommend reading "Effective C++"

First, thanks for the advice offered so far.

I can program in java, python, prolog, and MATLAB.

I just want to make games, and be part of that industry (I should probably pick something like graphics or AI to specialize in, right?). I know when I get into the industry I will do well. It's just the first step.

Do you think making something with XNA would be a good start?

Quote: Original post by calamine
I can program in java, python, prolog, and MATLAB.

You absolutely must know a language used in games.

That would be either C++ or Flash. If you plan on going for tools, you must also know C#.




You should know that with the bad economy it is a hard time to find entry level jobs. There are experienced developers who cannot find jobs, so don't get too discouraged if you cannot get into the field any time soon.

Quote: Original post by frob

Quote: Original post by calamine
I can program in java, python, prolog, and MATLAB.

You absolutely must know a language used in games.

We use Python both in game and in our tools. Although c++ would help you its not *absolutely* needed to get a job in the industry.

Quote: Original post by grekster
Although c++ would help you its not *absolutely* needed to get a job in the industry.

It is right now.

With the glut of talent on the market, you have to be very impressive and outstanding to land a position. This is the case for entry level, mid level, and senior level positions; senior level stuff requires a lot of hardcore experience these days, there's thousands of people with mid-level skills circulating at the moment, and virtually nobody wants any entry level staff except the very, very best.

You'd better bet that every additional tool in your toolbox is absolutely necessary to rise above the rest of the crowd and actually manage to get hired.

Quote: Original post by grekster

Quote: Original post by frob

Quote: Original post by calamine
I can program in java, python, prolog, and MATLAB.

You absolutely must know a language used in games.

We use Python both in game and in our tools. Although c++ would help you its not *absolutely* needed to get a job in the industry.

Whether or not it's possible to get a game programming job without C++, the fact is that without good C++ knowledge, your chances are very slim.

If you want to get into game programming, you should start immersing yourself in everything game development related.

-Buy books that teach you how to develop games. Download tutorials and follow them. The XNA site is a good place to start.
-Check out some of the computer science topics (data structures and algorithms).
-Play a lot of games and pay very close attention to the design and 'fun factor' - what makes the game tick for you?
-Also, learn about the industry. I recommend getting the book "Game Plan".
-Design a game and then program it. Take it through every stage of the development life cycle.
-Be familiar with software engineering principles (recommended: Code Complete, 2nd edition)
-Read Tom Slopers guide/advice
-Go to game development events in your local area (IDGA meetings? Conferences? Trade Shows? etc).
-Stay current on the trends and direction of the industry (hardcore gaming and casual gaming)
-Know who the big players are in the industry and what they do (publishers, game developers, engine developers, etc)
-Not 100% necessary, but still good: Figure out what the gaming scenes are like in different countries and figure out what makes them popular. Is it cross-cultural or dependent on a pre-existing cultural value/trait? (Example: "PC Bangs" in S.Korea)