View Full Version : Applying for game developer type jobs
Kensei
22-10-2008, 10:20 AM
Ok, in case you didn't read my thread a while back on the Gaming Forum, I will remind you that I am going to the Eurogamer Expo (http://expo.eurogamer.net/) next week. As part of the Expo, they are also holding the GameIndustry.biz Career Fair (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/careerfair)
You can pick your jaws up off the floor now guys.
Now, I understand that this is a once a year opportunity and, given I don't know what I am doing next year, I thought it might be a good time to see what the games industry in the UK has to offer. But...er... I am scared I am going to **** it up.
There are going to a lot of hopefuls there, and it would be nice to actually get the companies' attention, rather than them just chucking my CV on a pile with the rest of the 'interns'. But the thing that works, definitely, is I don't have game industry experience - likely the biggest hurdle anyone crosses with almost any industry.
I am also, compared to the genius people here, not the most seasoned hobbyist - but I can try can't I? :p
The help I require from you all is suggestions for how to make my CV a bit more 'games' orientated. How can I show them that I am capable of making games. Effectively, I only have two finished titles to my name (TTT and * ) as well as the Chatterbot I created in my Honours course.
Should I create a mini portfolio out of those two games - describing what they are and how they work, with screenshots?
Am I just being silly and try next year when I have more actual games to show them?
You're already going, so it wont hurt giving out your CV and portfolio. There is always a chance that some of the companies will be offering positions for learning more of the trade which would normally then lead to being integrated into a job contract.
On a side note, we want photos ;) lol.
FuzzYspo0N
22-10-2008, 12:11 PM
Ill post more later but :
On a side note, we want photos lol.
More liek a full article for the magazine! THat would be awesomes.
dislekcia
22-10-2008, 12:51 PM
There's your unique angle Kensei:
Cover the expo for Dev.Mag and specifically from the point of view of finding out what aspiring young South African developers can do to get picked up by European studios.
Prepare a schpiel about Dev.Mag (number of downloads, specialist magazine, etc - I'm sure Chippit or Nandrew could help with that) and a set of standard questions for developers/studio representatives. Then also prepare a CV that lists skills and exposure to game-related logic and algorithms, I would argue that you could be aiming at a scripting/gameplay code position, which is different to the full-blown engine code side - it's more design work, so showcase your design ideas and skills. Keep your education part of the CV brief, list work history but basically only to show that you have been employed in IT (and that you had responsibilities during that time) then write a cover letter for your CV, explaining how you're passionate about games, why you would love to work in a game studio and how you've been working towards that goal on your own.
Cover letters make CVs. Read through any and all "getting into the industry" advice. Consider making business cards that you can hand out, people will remember the applicant with business cards, usually you only have those at a company ;)
BlackShipsFillt
23-10-2008, 03:00 PM
That's great advice from disleksia...
Another thing you could consider doing is setting up a basic website or online portfolio (if you don't have on already), it doesn't have to look good (unless you want to apply for a visual position), it just needs to make finding out more about you easier.
Like the business cards a website makes you look more serious and committed to the job you are applying for.
Like disleksia said, stress your good ideas if you want a design post, UK game companies probably don't need another code monkey. It doesn't have to be wordy, but list all the significant innovations in each project.
Kensei
27-10-2008, 10:40 PM
Ok, the expo thing is tomorrow.
So far I have these questions to ask those that are willing to be interviewed:
1. What do you look for in potential hires?
2. Is providing portfolios important?
3. What is the best way to get into the games industry?
4. What is the highlights and low points of game making?
5. How does an aspiring game developer improve their skills?
6. Do you have an opinion on the tool Game Maker?
7. Do the formal degrees in Game Development take precedence over someone who has done a degree in Computer Science?
Tucker
28-10-2008, 12:42 AM
just a quick word...
I am a programmer, and for somebody to step into a game development job, right after his/ her studies is nearly impossible.
1. You need to learn at least 3 different languages and be experienced in that particular languages.
2. You need to have allot of experience in programming and game development, and i mean allot!
3. You need to be specialized into a direction to top it all off, like for example IA.
But it can happen, but I'm not saying it will either.
The reason for all this:
Game developers have deadlines, and there deadlines are far worse than a normal programming company's deadlines...They got to get the team in there and get the job done as fast as possible and move on to the next part that need there attention...they do not have anytime for wanna be programmers( lets face it the first few years you suck at programming regardless) who got to learn there ways and methods. Games are big and bulky programs with many bugs, you can not compare it to insurgence company's programs for instance, the faster the game is developed the better...
Gaming company's are looking for 10 to 20 years worth of experienced programmers.
And by the way I'm talking about the big gaming company's like EA games and EIDOS
dislekcia
28-10-2008, 12:47 AM
I'd say kill question 6, it's meaningless to a dev in a studio. By the time you get there everyone is language agnostic anyway. Trust me ;)
Question 4 should read "What are the highlights..."
Looking forward to reading those answers, it'll be a great piece for Dev.Mag!
dislekcia
28-10-2008, 12:52 AM
just a quick word...
I am a programmer, and for somebody to step into a game development job, right after his/ her studies is nearly impossible.
1. You need to learn at least 3 different languages and be experienced in that particular languages.
2. You need to have allot of experience in programming and game development, and i mean allot!
3. You need to be specialized into a direction to top it all off, like for example IA.
But it can happen, but I'm not saying it will either.
The reason for all this:
Game developers have deadlines, and there deadlines are far worse than a normal programming company's deadlines...They got to get the team in there and get the job done as fast as possible and move on to the next part that need there attention...they do not have anytime for wanna be programmers( lets face it the first few years you suck at programming regardless) who got to learn there ways and methods. Games are big and bulky programs with many bugs, you can not compare it to insurgence company's programs for instance, the faster the game is developed the better...
Gaming company's are looking for 10 to 20 years worth of experienced programmers.
And by the way I'm talking about the big gaming company's like EA games and EIDOS
No offense kid, but I'd let the experienced developers answer these questions and see what they have to say about the state of getting into the industry in the UK.
Also, you can totally get into the industry locally straight out of university: All you need to do is have a portfolio of nice games/concepts you've built over the course of your degree or in your spare time and that will impress people like me, Luma or I-Imagine and when the time comes to increase team sizes, we have lists of possible hires that we go through.
Just ask Thaumaturge ;)
But yes, you're right about experience being key, this is why we advocate indie dev and getting playable things out as soon as possible: Building an engine isn't going to help anyone. Unfortunately, the rest of your post is just assumption and random hearsay, it doesn't even sound like you've applied for any game studio positions overseas. That would have dispelled some of the more glaring misconceptions. But that's why we're here - to set you straight and help you make games!
Kensei
28-10-2008, 01:05 AM
Thanks dislekcia, I am putting together a GamedotDev business card to give to them (with the Dev mag and GameDotDev URLs on it)
I'll likely speak to those people that don't look too busy, but I see there are quite a few large names (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/careerfair) there. Feeling kinda nervous about it :(
I'll take my laptop with me, in case printed versions of the Dev Mag are not enough :)
dislekcia
28-10-2008, 02:22 AM
Thanks dislekcia, I am putting together a GamedotDev business card to give to them (with the Dev mag and GameDotDev URLs on it)
I'll likely speak to those people that don't look too busy, but I see there are quite a few large names (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/careerfair) there. Feeling kinda nervous about it :(
I'll take my laptop with me, in case printed versions of the Dev Mag are not enough :)
Go bother the big names. You're reporting, after all. Ask at their stands if there's anyone you could talk to for a few minutes and have an audio recording device on hand.
Also, don't bombard them with handouts, give stuff if they ask about it or are interested in finding out more about Dev.Mag. Your big deal should be your CV. Focus on getting that into hands as a primary goal.
FuzzYspo0N
28-10-2008, 11:05 AM
if you want any graphics for any of this, let me know asap and i will gladly make something interesting for your cards :)
Tucker
28-10-2008, 09:28 PM
Ha ha ha lol :D
I guess you got to give it a shot regardless of what people say!!!
Just because I'm new to this Forum (dislekcia) doesn't mean i don't know what I'm talking about...and Im not a boy just to let you know.
But give your best shot, just don't base your whole life finding that perfect gaming job, this is real life we talking about...But it is possible, i have a few friends that are working in top nodge graphic designer company's in the USA. so its possible just most of my programming friends work in joburg and Cape Town
and a few in the uk but non, not even graphic designers hardly ever make it in to big gaming company's
Description:
Senior Programmer
Programming, Debugging, Game Development, C++
Our Client, a leading Gaming Industry Innovator, is looking for experienced Developers to work as Senior Programmers on an upcoming game release. Candidates should have a blend of strong programming skills and the leadership needed to help guide a small team starting a new project. They are looking for Programmers who are excited to contribute to the quality and impact of a large project.
Responsibilities include:
* Designing and implementing game systems with maintainability and correctness.
* Working closely with Design Staff to determine appropriate systems and solutions.
* Reviewing and suggesting improvements to other Programmers.
About Our Client:
This Company was founded in the summer of 1997 with the goal of becoming a leading massively multiplayer game company. Our Client has established itself as one of the leading companies in the field, winning numerous awards and receiving critical acclaim worldwide. The Company is dedicated to the development of cutting-edge massively multiplayer games. It is Our Client's belief that massively multiplayer games are the biggest revolution in computer gaming history. Their mission is to attract and retain customers by providing top quality online entertainment.
This is a Direct Hire position, through Volt Technical Resources - a division of a Fortune 1000 publicly traded Staffing Industry Leader, based in Atlanta, GA. We are among the largest IT staffing companies in the US for contract/temporary and direct hire placements and support most of the top rated IT companies in the Southeast.
Requirements:
Required Skills for this Senior Programmer position include the following:
* 6+ years of Programming experience with at least two (2) years in Game Development
* Very strong Programming and Debugging skills in C++
* Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with others
* At least one area of specialty in Game Development
Found at: http://aol.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3F7FL6325CNDMYPZS1&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=ee8eae00a3074097a7a657d2c2fdccbf-278522479-JO-5
Now you guys can say what ever you want and brake who ever down, Im finished with this thread and Im not replying to this again.
Have a great day :D
Kensei
28-10-2008, 09:47 PM
Hi guys, I just got back from the faire thingie.
Chatted to:
* Relentless Software (Buzz! Franchise)
* Realtime Worlds(Crackdown)
* Rebellion (The Simpsons Game, Rogue Trooper etc)
* Streamline Studios (Yet be announced game)
* Starbreeze Studios (Chronicles of Riddick)
* Crytek (Crysis)
* Lionhead/Microsoft Game Studios (no idea what games they make :p )
I'll have to calm down a bit and then I will get my thoughts down on paper and in a cognitive stream.
Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to chat to Ubisoft or Rare, they were swamped with people.
Coolhand
29-10-2008, 08:01 AM
Senior Programmer
Programming, Debugging, Game Development, C++
Maybe, just maybe, someone "right after his/ her studies" shouldn't be looking to apply for a Senior Programmer position?
Microsoft Game Studios have their name on things (in almost all the cases partially or fully outsourced and then just distributed under microsoft's name) such as:
Age of Empires
Rise of Nations
Gears of War
Blue Dragon
Too Human
Those are just a few examples of titles bearing their name. Not entirely sure how much they had to do with it though. I can find out, although Im sure that many are on a distributing basis. Then again, its likely that Im quite wrong.
Coolhand
29-10-2008, 09:24 AM
Ummmm... Maybe smiley in Kensei's post was meant as sarcarsm edg3?
;)
Ah,*I failed at picking that up. :P Apologies.
onona
29-10-2008, 11:45 AM
Ha ha ha lol :D
But give your best shot, just don't base your whole life finding that perfect gaming job, this is real life we talking about...
Yes, this is real life. Meaning that if you work hard, you can accomplish what you want. Stop putting gaming jobs in some dreamy, unreachable echelon. Gaming companies are companies just like any other, and they need people to work for them. Honestly, people put far too much of a magical shroud around those "desirable gaming jobs", when game studios are staffed by ordinary people who are employed for their skill sets, not some magical spellcasting abilities that only a few elite ever master.
not even graphic designers hardly ever make it in to big gaming company's
Huh?
Now you guys can say what ever you want and brake who ever down, Im finished with this thread and Im not replying to this again.
Oh, so you're one of those people who lacks the conviction to back up your claims, instead opting for the old "post a whole load of **** and run" tactic. How tiresome.
dislekcia
29-10-2008, 11:49 AM
Ha ha ha lol :D
I guess you got to give it a shot regardless of what people say!!!
Just because I'm new to this Forum (dislekcia) doesn't mean i don't know what I'm talking about...and Im not a boy just to let you know.
But give your best shot, just don't base your whole life finding that perfect gaming job, this is real life we talking about...But it is possible, i have a few friends that are working in top nodge graphic designer company's in the USA. so its possible just most of my programming friends work in joburg and Cape Town
and a few in the uk but non, not even graphic designers hardly ever make it in to big gaming company's
That's a horribly fatalistic attitude, don't you think? I know 6 people that have been picked up by large international game companies. Heck, one of the forum regulars from Durbs was hired by Digital Extremes (Epic) at the beginning of last year. Over the past three months, three forum members were hired by Luma based on their participation and portfolios on this forum, so it's not like I'm pulling things out of nowhere ;)
Found at: http://aol.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3F7FL6325CNDMYPZS1&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=ee8eae00a3074097a7a657d2c2fdccbf-278522479-JO-5
Now you guys can say what ever you want and brake who ever down, Im finished with this thread and Im not replying to this again.
Have a great day :D
I don't get the defensiveness... Honestly, all I'm trying to do is correct some misconceptions you seem to have regarding how the game development industry works. Yes, experience is required for senior developer positions - maybe you're looking at those because you're already a senior dev somewhere (although that would be remarkably quick at 21, you've barely had time to finish your degree!) or maybe international junior positions aren't being advertised in SA because companies don't want to do the whole immigration support thing for hundreds of people...
Either way, IT has always required a ludicrous amount of experience in job listings: I remember when I was in university we'd all lament the "5 years experience in field X" barrier. The thing is, there's an easy way to get (and show) game development experience: Build indie stuff for your portfolio, heck maybe you'll even be able to sell a few games online and earn a living that way, you never know.
Trying is never a bad idea, but saying that it's impossible to get into the industry based on the random schpiel in job listings when game industry professionals are busy telling you that's not necessarily how it works, that's simply not listening to experience. So, relax, nobody's pulling you apart, we're just trying to show you there's a lot more hope than you seem to think there is.
PS: I'm overqualified for that job, FYI ;)
Kensei
29-10-2008, 01:45 PM
Microsoft Game Studios have their name on things (in almost all the cases partially or fully outsourced and then just distributed under microsoft's name) such as:
Age of Empires
Rise of Nations
Gears of War
Blue Dragon
Too Human
Those are just a few examples of titles bearing their name. Not entirely sure how much they had to do with it though. I can find out, although Im sure that many are on a distributing basis. Then again, its likely that Im quite wrong.
:D ... No wait.... http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6595/30849918bm8.gif
Yes, edg3, buddy Coolhand was correct - I was being insanely sarcastic... I keep forgetting to include those sarcasm warnings :p
I even chatted to one of their lead designers, who works closely with Peter ;) It was awesome :)
D, do you want me to put my findings in a thread here so we can discuss or hold off for the next Dev mag?
dislekcia
29-10-2008, 01:49 PM
:D ... No wait.... http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6595/30849918bm8.gif
Yes, edg3, buddy Coolhand was correct - I was being insanely sarcastic... I keep forgetting to include those sarcasm warnings :p
I even chatted to one of their lead designers, who works closely with Peter ;) It was awesome :)
D, do you want me to put my findings in a thread here so we can discuss or hold off for the next Dev mag?
Ideally, both ;)
Quick and dirty overview here and then the full with bells, whistles and fist-pumps in Dev.Mag. Doable?
Kensei
29-10-2008, 02:10 PM
Doable ;)
I need to finish transcribing the info into a document and then I will do an brief overview on the general trends I spotted.
Chippit
29-10-2008, 02:14 PM
Most excellent.
:D ... No wait.... http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6595/30849918bm8.gif
Yes, edg3, buddy Coolhand was correct - I was being insanely sarcastic... I keep forgetting to include those sarcasm warnings :p
LOL, oh well, my bad. If anybody doesnt know, I have provided the answer before you had to ask... :)
Unknownx
30-10-2008, 05:57 PM
I really want to be a game developer or tester! its the dream job!
dislekcia
30-10-2008, 06:37 PM
I really want to be a game developer or tester! its the dream job!
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/m67.htm
READ :)
Kensei
30-10-2008, 09:30 PM
Oooooohhhh, good find dislekcia :D
Kensei
12-01-2009, 02:58 PM
NEcccrrrooooo post!
Rather than create a new thread, I will just resurrect this one ^_^
So here is the background - I am going to try get a job in the games industry in London area (which means Portsmouth, Brighton, Guildford, and, if I am really lucky, London itself)
I am gonna try Relentless (Job (http://www.relentless.co.uk/jobs/?id=JGP200812)), Climax (Job (http://www.climax.co.uk/jobs/jobs.aspx?ArticleID=991&Studio=Portsmouth)), perhaps Lionhead and Zoe Mode(Job (http://www.zoemode.com/jobs.html)
So, I ask the semi-professional and professional game developers of this fine forum, what can I put in my cover letter to get them to at least take a serious look at me.
In terms of programming experience, I only have 6 months formal development experience, but my major in varsity was Software Development. I am not a maths or physics genius, but I am highly creative individual.
Do I emphasize points such as team player, 'can do' attitude. learns new technology quickly? Is it fair to mention I am regular on this community?
Edit: I am scouring Gamasutra for articles on this subject
Elyaradine
12-01-2009, 05:33 PM
Did you finish that dev.mag thing? (In which case, has it already appeared in an issue, and, if so, which issue?)
dislekcia
12-01-2009, 06:23 PM
NEcccrrrooooo post!
Rather than create a new thread, I will just resurrect this one ^_^
So here is the background - I am going to try get a job in the games industry in London area (which means Portsmouth, Brighton, Guildford, and, if I am really lucky, London itself)
I am gonna try Relentless (Job (http://www.relentless.co.uk/jobs/?id=JGP200812)), Climax (Job (http://www.climax.co.uk/jobs/jobs.aspx?ArticleID=991&Studio=Portsmouth)), perhaps Lionhead and Zoe Mode(Job (http://www.zoemode.com/jobs.html)
So, I ask the semi-professional and professional game developers of this fine forum, what can I put in my cover letter to get them to at least take a serious look at me.
In terms of programming experience, I only have 6 months formal development experience, but my major in varsity was Software Development. I am not a maths or physics genius, but I am highly creative individual.
Do I emphasize points such as team player, 'can do' attitude. learns new technology quickly? Is it fair to mention I am regular on this community?
Edit: I am scouring Gamasutra for articles on this subject
The IGDA (http://www.igda.org). Go there, read.
Basically, be honest and be yourself. Your CV should be succinct and not padded. Your cover letter should talk about why you want to make games and what portfolio pieces you have. Use *, explain what you learned in a paragraph or two.
Kensei
12-01-2009, 09:16 PM
Gracias, dislekcia-sama ::bows::
Did you finish that dev.mag thing? (In which case, has it already appeared in an issue, and, if so, which issue?)
oh shi- I had it all typed out and such but forgot to mention it to the likes of Nandrew and Chippit when they started the Dev.Mag prep work
Chippit
12-01-2009, 09:19 PM
Gracias, dislekcia-sama ::bows::
oh shi- I had it all typed out and such but forgot to mention it to the likes of Nandrew and Chippit when they started the Dev.Mag prep work
This goes in next month, yes? Yes.
Kensei
12-01-2009, 10:05 PM
Yes.
This waste of a post has been brought to you by Kushido:Karate-do; tiring out Kensei since 2002
Elyaradine
12-01-2009, 10:51 PM
Woot, thanks. :D I wasn't sure if I'd somehow missed it, as I'm an irregular reader.
AndrewJ
13-01-2009, 12:32 PM
Looking forward to it Kensei, and good luck with job hunting!
BlackCid
14-01-2009, 11:34 AM
Kensei I admire you...
...Well in the sense that you come very very far with the international Job hunting gig. Your thread inlighted us and also crack a lot of joke, en sarcasm.
You made me get up from my 'ass' and seek employmnet, We all wish you luck.
ps: I know u did da site and the cards. Did evetually get around to compilling- in the administration sense - the portolio?
Kensei
14-01-2009, 01:14 PM
Ja, I put my two game entries on the Great Games Experiment (http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/user/kensei)
BlackCid
14-01-2009, 01:30 PM
Ja, I put my two game entries on the Great Games Experiment (http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/user/kensei)
tanx bra!
SkinkLizzard
14-01-2009, 01:55 PM
tanx bra!
sorry I know this is off topic and you can bash me for it later
but I had to lol at the circumstances :)
to reduce off topic ness
good luck with the game dev job finding kensei
AndrewJ
14-01-2009, 03:49 PM
<ot>
sorry I know this is off topic and you can bash me for it later
but I had to lol at the circumstances :)
Lol! I also noticed that! ;-)
</ot>
Thaumaturge
14-01-2009, 05:10 PM
Very good luck indeed with your job-search, Kensei - may you get the right job for you, and I do hope that you find one in which you are happy. ^_^
BlackCid
19-01-2009, 01:14 PM
...but I had to lol at the circumstances :)
sorry for being blond but i don't share the laughter
d-_-b?
AndrewJ
19-01-2009, 02:34 PM
Kensei is a girl. Check out her profile on the Great Games Experiment site that she linked us to.
BlackCid
19-01-2009, 02:38 PM
OH!
Oops! lol lol
The goes my blond moment of the day!
"no offense to any blond was intended by this post"
Kensei
29-01-2009, 04:34 PM
Necro again, despite it being on the front page still.
Just working through my cover letter, ensure I have covered all my bases since the portfolio and cover letter are the most important:
I have:
My work experience (in one sentence)
Mention of me being a 'team player' and my can do attitude
Blurb about star(*) and what it was
What the best part was (seeing my friends and family play-test the game) and low point (learning the capabilities of Game Maker while creating the game.)
Brief list of the programming languages I know
Will put any personalization about how my skills match up with the companies (like Lionhead's will be: I like Lion's your mascot is a lion (joking!!!) )
End with a winning line:I am excited to have the opportunity to combine my development experience with my passion for gaming.
Am I missing anything?
AndrewJ
29-01-2009, 05:08 PM
You education in a sentence or two?
dislekcia
29-01-2009, 06:55 PM
Necro again, despite it being on the front page still.
Just working through my cover letter, ensure I have covered all my bases since the portfolio and cover letter are the most important:
I have:
My work experience (in one sentence)
Mention of me being a 'team player' and my can do attitude
Blurb about star(*) and what it was
What the best part was (seeing my friends and family play-test the game) and low point (learning the capabilities of Game Maker while creating the game.)
Brief list of the programming languages I know
Will put any personalization about how my skills match up with the companies (like Lionhead's will be: I like Lion's your mascot is a lion (joking!!!) )
End with a winning line:I am excited to have the opportunity to combine my development experience with my passion for gaming.
Am I missing anything?
I would suggest starting with your prototypes/portfolio experience. Talk about being involved with Game.Dev, talk about Star more than anything else. Try to convey enjoyment and enthusiasm for the simple joy of making games for their own sake, then only talk about secondary things like being a team player and all that.
You don't need to list skills or knowledge in a cover letter, that's what your CV is for. The cover letter is there to let you talk to someone looking at your CV about what you want to be doing and why. Talk about your goals in game development, or the eventual position you'd like to hold.
Kensei
29-01-2009, 10:31 PM
Thanks, dislekcia :)
If I pull this off I will have you and the rest of the Game.dev doowah boys people :D
You education in a sentence or two?
Meh, everyone has a degree these days :p The only thing that makes my incrementally more is the fact I have an Honours degree, not just a straight Biscuit (BSc. IT) - and that is not really worth mentioning
HolyMackerel
30-01-2009, 08:03 AM
Good luck Kensei, I don't think you'll need it though. I don't know very many people with all the experience that most of you guys (and gals, hehe) have with game developing.
I am sad to say that I only started recently and with Game Maker 7. Coding is still Greek to me. . .
Kensei
09-02-2009, 02:36 PM
^_^
Got my first reply back from Relentless Software; apparently I am too experienced for their Junior Game Developer role. That is good and bad news I guess :D
Bad - still haven't got a job
Good - they have my CV and will keep me in mind (I hope)
Krummelz
09-02-2009, 03:06 PM
Good luck with getting a job Kensei, I'm sure it wont be long before you're hired!
Forgive me if this is a bit off topic or irrelevant, but this thread got me wondering...
What role does mathematics play in programming? Obviously one must be mathematically literate, but what about the more 'advanced' subjects in mathematics, such as Algebra or Trigonometry?
Kensei
09-02-2009, 03:32 PM
I can only talk from my experience looking at entry game development jobs.
A degree is almost a must for these jobs - most stipulate a degree in maths, computer science or physics. Strong maths skills are needed if you want to try for engine programmer jobs (like what Crytek looks for mainly) Remember there are more than just standard Game Developer roles, there are Tools Programmers, Engine Programmers, AI programmers, UI designers (lol, and that is just the programmer type roles)
Hope that answers the question
Krummelz
09-02-2009, 04:22 PM
Thanks, that almost answers the question..
What then, within 'engine programming', necessitates the application of mathematics?
An example might help if anyone can think of one.
Chippit
09-02-2009, 04:43 PM
Thanks, that almost answers the question..
What then, within 'engine programming', necessitates the application of mathematics?
An example might help if anyone can think of one.
How do you tell if this hitscan weapon hit a target? How do you know the arc of a grenade, or its direction after it bounces off a wall? How do you calculate the refraction and reflection of light passing through water?
There are hundreds of applications of mathematics in game programming. You'll use it all the time, often without realising it.
Krummelz
11-02-2009, 01:15 PM
Thanks Chippit, that answered my question.
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