Complete Newbie, seeking advice on how to pursue a career in video games (UK)

[digitalsubstance]

This thread has been deleted.

[yaustar]

Read: http://scientificninja.com/advice/on-game-schools
And: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7460352.stm

The general preference currently is for applicants to have a solid Computer Science degree but there are some games courses in the UK that are very good. University of Hull and University of Derby are the ones that come to mind.

At this stage where you have no experience with programming, I wouldn't start out with C or C++ for two reasons. The main being is that it is a poor language for a beginner because of so many language specific pitfalls in the language which makes it harder to learn the concepts of programming. Developers who have been using it for 5+ years still get caught by something new.

The second reason is in 5 years time (when you graduate), C or C++ may not even be used in the industry.

For now, I would pick a solid, modern language like C#, Java or Python. When you get into University, keep an eye on the industry to see what languages are being used. Chances are the main language will still be C++, but C# knowledge with be beneficial as well as scripting languages such as Python and Lua.

[Adrir]

Originally Posted by digitalsubstance

I am seriously considering a career as a video games programmer...I am a bit confused by all the different paths to getting a job as a video game programmer. Some websites say to do one of those video game orientated degrees, and some say just do Computer Science.

Originally Posted by yaustar

The general preference currently is for applicants to have a solid Computer Science degree but there are some games courses in the UK that are very good. University of Hull and University of Derby are the ones that come to mind.

Personally, I am finishing up a batchelors degree in straight Computer Science and planning to move onto a masters in a games-specialist field (such as Game AI).

Just try to build up a portfolio in your free time at university and go form there!

Originally Posted by digitalsubstance

Next year I am studying Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics and Electronics, which are all good for technology based subjects, and would be perfect for entering a Computer Science degree. What do you think I should do?

Those are some awesome A Level choices.

Depending on your exam board and your sixth form / college, you could have a range of modules to choose from while doing Additional Mathematics. I reccomend a good spread of Mechanics (M1, M2, M3, etc..) and Discrete Math (D1, D2, D3, etc...). At least some statistics will also be useful.

I would definitely thinking about learning programming in your own time. If anything, it will make your first year of university a breeze!

Originally Posted by yaustar

For now, I would pick a solid, modern language like C#, Java or Python. When you get into University, keep an eye on the industry to see what languages are being used. Chances are the main language will still be C++, but C# knowledge with be beneficial as well as scripting languages such as Python and Lua.

I definitely agree with this. Personally, I would focus on Java and C# because they're both easy to start with and virtually identical to each other.

Some useful links:

C#

Visual Studio Express (IDE)

C# Beginners Guide

Microsoft Channel 8 (DreamSpark)

XNA Creators Club

Java:

Netbeans (IDE)

Free eBook "Thinking in Java"

The Java Tutorials

J2SE API Documentation

[GCGuser]

C++ is the biggest thing right now, but keep an eye out on C#.

I'm not a programmer, but know many, and have been through some tutorials on programming, as I'm more into the 3d art/asset creation side of things.

I'd suggest once you get some practice, join a mod team, great team experience!