Video Game Programmer
Video Game Programmer Career Overview
With the introduction of a variety of next generation console systems and the ever-advancing power of the personal computer, video game programming is a field that seems to have endless growth potential. Many video game programmers start their career as lovers of gaming, and use that passion and inspiration to create new and exciting games. Although playing Donkey Kong may be simple (for the first five levels...) video game programming is no easy task. It requires a variety of advanced skills, from familiarity with a variety of programming language to graphic design and plot crafting.
While many in the mainstream press view gaming as a niche market, in reality it is a burgeoning industry. In the late 90s, the gaming industry more than tripled in size. Since then, it has been growing steadily, and according to Price Water House Coopers, the industry is poised to grow another 38 percent between now and 2011. If those predictions are correct, the gaming industry will be bigger than the music industry by 2012.
There are a variety of specialists that are in demand as a result of the explosive growth of the gaming industry. These specialties include game designers, game artists, and game programmers. All of these positions require attention to detail and a creative streak, but each favors different skills.
Video Game Programmer Training and Education
Most video game programmers have a bachelor's degree in a science related field such as mathematics, physicals, or computers. They must also possess extensive knowledge of the following:
- C++
- Artificial Intelligence programming
- Graphics (3D geometry, etc)
- Tools Development
- Operating Systems
- Compilers
Beyond this, a successful candidate must have strong programming skills in C/C++ and Java, an intense passion for gaming and an understanding of games throughout history, and excellent communication skills. If your university does not offer these disciplines, you may have to seek out extra classes in order to gain the appropriate degrees and/or certificates.
Entry-level jobs are somewhat hard to come by in the gaming industry and it may be necessary to work as an intern for a couple years or in a related field to gain experience.
Video Game Programmer Salary Outlook
There is a wide salary range for video game programmers which vary with experience and specialty. In 2007, the average video game industry salary was $83,383. Entry-level positions are significantly lower, the boom half earning about $35,000. The most lucrative specialty is in the actual game coding, where top earners make as much as $300,000.
The video game industry is booming and sales in the U.S. alone total upward of $12.5 billion. Even the United States Army invests hundreds of millions into this technology for training purposes. With budding new technology and an eager nation, this industry couldn't be more promising. However, while career outlook for video game programmers is excellent, some find the job to be slightly volatile. If a deadline is not met, company funding may be cut off leading to a lack of jobs. Hence, many programmers' resumes consist of short stints with various companies. The good news is, due to the high demand in the gaming industry, finding another job will not be difficult.
Career Fields/Specializations
Game Artist Career
Game artists are the people who bring the designers' ideas to life. They create the graphics, character designs, movements, and environment that players will experience. Some game artists work exclusively with sound, creating the voices, music, and effects for the game. They are known as sound designers. Game artists need to have strong graphic design and artistic skills. They also need to be familiar with the way that textures and models are created for modern video games, which is a rather complex process. Designers also need strong artistic training, and musical training can be extremely helpful.
Game Programmer Career
Perhaps the most technically demanding job in the video game industry is that of a game programmer. Programmers have to create the software that runs the game environment, program the artificial intelligence, and implement the work of the artists and game designers. All of these tasks demand an ability to turn ideas in to numbers and programming language, so game programmers need a rigorous background in algebra and geometry as well as the ability to program in the C and C++ programming languages along with other more specialized programming languages. Many game programmers enter the field with a degree in computer science or mathematics, but those working on the cuing edge of the field usually have more advanced degrees.
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