Programming games

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Originally posted by Mr.Sparkle
Despite being a PC-only gamer for many years, I disagree. On consoles, you don't have to worry about outdated hardware or obscure feature sets; the developer can provide the best experience possible to all console owners, not just the wealthy.

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Actually my remark would be better understood if you knew me. I play all kinds of games - I just like to make sure PC at least gets a mention around here, which it seldom does. Everything you said is everything anyone already knows is good about consoles. Thier a closed system and in terms of making games for them it can be easier since there are not variable configurations. Dur ;)

ºTracer

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the developer can provide the best experience possible to all console owners, not just the wealthy.

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The best experience, or the best middle-ground? ;)

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I've had several interviews and they all act as if you need to know 3D like the back of your hand....

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Gee, funny that.

aye - with the proliferation of mutiple consoles that changes things.

ºTracer

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Originally posted by opa-opa
Mr. Sparkle, you program games?

Do u know why it's so damn hard to get a job as a game programmer these days? I've had several interviews and they all act as if you need to know 3D like the back of your hand....

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Sorry, but that's going into the "stupid comments relating to games" thread.

Yeah, you NEED to know 3D, unless you want to do GBA and GP32 games -- even then, you cut your possible employers drastically. 2D = no sale on home consoles.

Yeah, but even for entry level or junior programming position, they expect you to be 3D experts. I think that's a bit too excessive. And besides, don't most game programmers just look up whatever 3D algorithm/equation they need on the web anyways? It's not like they need to memorize everything in their heads.

I mean it just seems to me the game programming biz has gotten a lot more competitive than a few years ago.

And it seems almost impossible to get into the "biz" now if you don't have any prior experience. 5-6 years ago, they used to hire game programmers straight out of college.

From what I was told, the "average" game programmer at EA has a PHD. That's just insane.

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Yeah, but even for entry level or junior programming position, they expect you to be 3D experts. I think that's a bit too excessive. And besides, don't most game programmers just look up whatever 3D algorithm/equation they need on the web anyways? It's not like they need to memorize everything in their heads.

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I think the idea is to find creative, excellent programmers that can do this sort of thing on the fly (as it may be). Hiring those who have that sort of dedication and skill would be more attractive and possibly prosperous from a business standpoint. But it sucks for everyone else, as usual.

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I mean it just seems to me the game programming biz has gotten a lot more competitive than a few years ago.

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The entire industry is more competitive then it was a few years ago.

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And it seems almost impossible to get into the "biz" now if you don't have any prior experience.

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It's the eternal hiring oxymoron: You won't get experience until you get hired, but you can't get hired until you have experience. It's like that in almost every type of job (aside from the really low-level stuff like basic retail or food service), hence why so many people find ways of getting around such things.

It's easy to get experience.. make a mod.

ºTracer

BTW: There's a nice 2D mod for UT you might enjoy, thank Lhadatt for bring it to light here.

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Originally posted by TracerBullet
It's easy to get experience.. make a mod.

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That's great for a resume and can help get one noticed, but many companies want experience with another company. Of course, if you've got good work, you can try and pressure your way in while ignoring the other company aspect.

Those Counter-Stike kids made a career for themselves.

ºTracer

And then there are those hired based off Quake and Doom mods. Exception, not the rule. ;)