If Nintendo is your dream job as a programmer, what's the top 5 step formula to get there (if there is one)?
Like tools, platforms to know, etc. Maybe making games is one of them. I've experimented with game programming, but mostly just knowledgable with C, C++ and some 2d OpenGL graphics.
What exactly do you want to do at Nintendo? If you want to make games then your best bet is probably to apply at "second party" companies like Retro (see http://www.retrostudios.com/careers.asp) or first-party subsidiaries like NST.
If you are okay with working on tools, tech demos, dev support, etc., this is often handled by Nintendo of America. They're pretty much the same as any other game hardware vendor job. Practice C and C++, low-level programming, graphics, OS development, etc. (see http://www.indeed.com/q-Nintendo-of-America-l-Redmond,-WA-jobs.html).
Sean Middleditch – Game Systems Engineer – Join my team!
1) Invent time machine
2) Learn Japanese
3) Collect decades of "Nintendo Power" magazines, all Nintendo published games and consoles, and assorted Nintendo memorabilia, and carefully study the life of Shigeru Miamoto. Also collect general business notes, stock market information, and game industry communications for the past 35 years.
4) Travel back to 1977, displacing Miamoto, bringing all your Nintendo stuff with you.
5) Meet with Hiroshi Yamauchi, then go on to "invent" franchises like Mario, Legend of Zelda, and all the rest.
:-)
As others pointed out, there is no universal five step plan. If you want to work at a specific company your best bet is a lot of networking with other people who already work at the company.
