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By Posted in Careers, Podcast No Comments

In this episode of Game Industry Career Guide Podcast, I answer a question from Hy N., who asked “I am good in math, I love coding, and I have a strong passion for gaming. So I think being a game programmer fits the best for me. I want to know, What are the disadvantages? I found out that programmers have to sit in front of a computer all day, that really scares me. Any advice for me?”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How “knowledge work” is fundamentally different from other jobs
  • Why game programming is a bit less… social than other game jobs
  • How to tell whether you’ll be cool with game programming, or whether it will drive you crazy

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A game programmer commits code from a pleasant, grassy field
When you work remotely, you could commit code from a grassy field and no one would ever know.

Gene Walters had his dream job: programming graphics and special effects for video games. What could be better?

Well, how about this: Programming graphics for video games… from home? No frustrating morning commute. No clatter and distraction of a hectic game studio. No need to slip out of your comfy pajamas. Doesn’t that sound even more perfect than perfect?

When Gene made the leap from an in-studio programmer to an at-home programmer, it was the solution to many problems – but it also caused new ones he didn’t expect. We’re speaking with him today to learn how he launched his at-home video game career, how he wrangles the ups and downs of remote employment… and why he might give it all up, if given the chance. Read more »

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By Posted in Podcast 11 Comments

In this episode of Game Industry Career Guide Podcast, I answer a question from Joseph F. who asks, “I’m a high school student considering a career in game programming or design. I’m trying to learn C++ on my own with no background knowledge of programming and I wondered if you could recommend any tips for learning game-specific coding. My school doesn’t offer anything code related until junior or senior year and I’m having trouble knowing where to start. Is there anything in particular I can focus on to start practicing game coding while I’m in high school?”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How to learn the most popular game programming languages from scratch
  • How to learn to use the most popular video game engine, for free
  • The best way to combine your skills to make your first video game

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In this episode of Game Industry Career Guide Podcast, I answer a question from Arun, who wants to know, Is it possible to do game testing while learning programming languages and securing a degree? If the answer is yes, then how can I get started?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The specific steps I took to get promoted from a Game Tester to a Game Programmer
  • Why many people start their game development careers in the QA department
  • The best way to learn game testing and get a job, even if you don’t have a college degree

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By Posted in Podcast, Schools 40 Comments

In this episode of Game Industry Career Guide Podcast, I answer a question from Chris B., who’s wondering how a computer science degree would be used in the video game industry?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why a computer science (CS) degree is helpful for a job in game design
  • How a CS degree could help you get one of the highest-paying jobs in the game industry
  • How a CS degree can provide critical job security when times get tough

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In this episode of Game Industry Career Guide Podcast, I answer a question from Dennis, who wants to know what are the all the different job occupations in the video game industry?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

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By Posted in Resume 1 Comment
This article is part of our Video Game Job Hunt Guide. Read the full guide to learn how to write a strong resume, build a winning portfolio, ace your job interviews and more.
Screen shot from Particle + Noise shader demo, Brandon Fogerty
A graphical programming portfolio can make your resume mesmerizing.

If you’re searching for a job in the video game industry, it’s important to have an online portfolio to showcase your work. That might be easy for artists that already work in a pixel-based medium – but how can video game programmers make their code into something visually appealing that looks great on a web page? Read more »

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This is one of more than 30 interviews with professional game developers. For more, visit Which game job is right for you?.
Portrait of Brandon Fogerty, Video Game Graphics Programmer
How does Brandon get coders and artists working together to make breathtaking graphics?

Meet Brandon Fogerty, Video Game Graphics Programmer

Brandon has been engineering interactive 3D graphics since 2006. From his early days programming avatars for clients like Motorola and NASA, to his recent cutting-edge games for Nintendo 3DS and smart phones, Brandon has been pushing the boundaries of 3D hardware for nearly a decade.

We’re speaking with him today to find out what it’s like to code professional 3D graphics, how to work successfully with artists and designers on a game team, and how you can start your own career as a Video Game Graphics Programmer.
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By Posted in Careers 8 Comments
This is one of more than 30 interviews with professional game developers. For more, visit Which game job is right for you?.
Profile photo of Brian Gish, tools programmer
“You have to prove you’re passionate about the games industry.”

Meet Brian Gish, Video Game Tools Programmer

Brian Gish has been programming video games for a decade, but not in the way you might think. He’s more of a “behind the scenes” coder. It’s Brian’s code that enables the artists, designers, and game programmers to do their jobs quickly and efficiently – and that means players get more game, and better game, for their buck. Brian is a Tools Programmer.

Today we’re talking to Brian about his experience in this little-known but critically important job. We’ll find out how he got started, why he loves it – and why you might, too.Read more »

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By Posted in Careers No Comments
This is one of more than 30 interviews with professional game developers. For more, visit Which game job is right for you?.
david_c_galloway_game_systems_programmer
David’s been bending computers to his will for 30 years. What’s his secret?

Meet David C. Galloway, Video Game Systems Programmer

David Galloway began his game programming career on the Commodore 64 home computer, and has created game play code for top-shelf franchises like Assassin’s Creed and X-Men.

But his real super power is in building game system code – the core programming that drives a game engine. From math libraries, to 3D animation systems, to the code that empowers Atair to free climb across Cyprus, David writes the code that turns lifeless polygons into living, breathing 3D worlds. Read more »

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