moving from IT to games

TG1 · 04-09-2008, 09:13 AM

Hey all,
first of all I'll start by saying that I read the article about moving from IT to game development and I still have some questions regarding my specific case.

Second, since this is my first post I'll introduce my self - My name is Tamar, I'm 29, live in Israel and I've been playing video games ever since I was 10 years old (hmmm, the last setence felt like something out of an AA meeting...)

I'll try to describe my professional history very shortly:
I've been a software enginner for the last 11 years, I started with C programming but after about 3 years moved to Java/J2ee. I know Java and SQL very well, and learned C++ but admit that I haven't done too much practical work with it so I don't remember much. I've also been a team leader for a few years and a systems analyst and I have experience with designing UI. I don't have a degree in computer sciences (most of my professional training was done in the Israeli army) but I will have a BA degree in social sciences (hopefully) by the summer of next year.

now for my question - I want to make the transition from being a software engineer to game programming and design, I am willing to relocate in order to do that (actually I want to do that anyway) and I feel that I lack knowledge in some areas like AI programming, 3D modelling and more (I would also like to get some knowldege regarding level and story design). my question is what is the best course for me to take to increase my chances to find a job? will I be able to find one with my current experience or will a degree or a diploma in game development would help?

tnx and I apologize for the lengthy post

yaustar · 04-09-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

will I be able to find one with my current experience

If you have a good portfolio to go wit your resume then yes, you should be able to.

TG1 · 04-09-2008, 10:24 AM

tnx for the reply, I have some more questions:

What should a good protfolio contain?
what kind of job will I be able to get with my current experience?
If I decide to go and study will I be able to find a part time job in a gaming company while studying? or will they let me learn hands on while working?

and last one - what is the process for applying to a job remotely? I will probably won't be able to come to a face to face interview until later in the recruitment stage because I live in Israel (and the process will probably be longer due to visa application process, depending of course on the country).

yaustar · 04-09-2008, 02:57 PM

Q. What should a good protfolio contain?
A. Your best work. Complete and polished programs.

Q. what kind of job will I be able to get with my current experience?
A. Varies on your skill level. Senior programmer maybe?

Q. If I decide to go and study will I be able to find a part time job in a gaming company while studying?
A. Highly unlikely. I haven't heard of this happening before.

Q. or will they let me learn hands on while working?
A. Learn what in particular? If you don't have the skills to do the job, then I doubt you be in the job in the first place.

Q. and last one - what is the process for applying to a job remotely?
A. Email making sure you mention your situation in your covering letter/email. Then you take it from there.

TG1 · 04-10-2008, 10:56 PM

thanks again

are there any positions that combine game design with programming technical knowledge?

yaustar · 04-11-2008, 02:49 AM

At best, Gameplay Programmer. Smaller teams/companies will probably combine the two regardless.

TG1 · 04-12-2008, 12:48 PM

From your replies and from the articles on this site, seems like I realy should refresh my C++ knowledge (I learned it almost 11 years ago and didn't realy work with it), do you know any good tutorials?

yaustar · 04-12-2008, 01:55 PM

Thinking in C++ Vol 1 and 2 (free eBook): http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/...ngInCPP2e.html
Effective C++
Code Complete
C++ FAQ Lite: http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/