Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

No matter what you do, try to develop skills that extend beyond the game industry. It makes you more appealing as a potential employee, and also gives you options in case game design doesn't work out.

Also, programming (if you're looking to go into programming) and drawing (if you're looking on going into design) are good skills to have, but also develop an understanding of the theory of game design. Having ideas for a game is one thing, but actually turning them into a working game is a completely different one.

For example, in one of my classes on game design theory, I recently made a trading card game about the current political situation in North Korea. You'd think that wouldn't lend itself to a good game, but learning to work with such restrictive concepts really helps in understanding how to put games together. And not just videogames, but games in general.

biccat is right on the programming. I'd use C# nowadays if I was going to start learning (and doing programming on a Windows box) since it's the big up-and-comer and almost as simple as VB. You also need LOTS of background in math. They also like people with artistic talent. Consider that most games nowadays use engines that were already developed. That means that you need a LOT of content developed. App developing right now would be a great start. You need to pad out your portfolio. No one wants someone who has untested programming ability who is applying simply because he 'really likes games'.

I took a class on it about 6 years ago. The professor interviewed people who worked at EA for the class, and spent some time at smaller companies. He made it sound like it's a pretty thankless, soul-crushing job. He actually tried to dissuade us from going into the field simply for romantic reasons alone.

Also, don't take anything on "Game Theory". It's not what you think!

Grakmar wrote:Also, don't take anything on "Game Theory". It's not what you think!

The word "design" is VERY important!

Grakmar wrote:Also, don't take anything on "Game Theory". It's not what you think!

I created a model that predicted you would say that.

Well, I'm taking a 3D animation class right now, if that helps with anything. Also, I knew that getting the job was going to be hard, as well as the actual work being hard. I guess I should try making apps, can someone point me in the right direction for doing such a thing?