Is Game Development Ageless?

[linuxgnubee]

Compared to other game enthusiasts, I'd say I probably represent the more middle-aged, post-80's crowd! And while it seems game development (as a vocation) is really starting to come into its own, I'm wondering, "am I too old to jump into this stuff?"

I suppose a good "gut check" is standing in Wal-mart watching a fairly recent release of Guitar Hero/Metallica Edition and saying, "holy **** that's cool! - how did they do that? I wanna do that!"

Anyone has some thoughts/insight? Thanks.

[yaustar]

Originally Posted by linuxgnubee

I'm wondering, "am I too old to jump into this stuff?"

Very rarely is it the case. I heard of stories where people have started in their late 20's to 30's.

[arcadeninja]

In My Opinion
It's never too late pursue a dream or ambition. It's the pursuit of knowledge and skill that makes us human.

[Sara jones]

ya its never too late to start a career like this. If you have a dream at your old age you should try to fulfill it.

[Monkeh]

As long as you're enthusiastic about doing whatever it is you want to do, and as long as you have the drive to become excellent at it, you'll probably find a job.

I know plenty of developers in their 40s and 50s, although depending on the studio you're in you may find yourself in a younger crowd.

[RthurChow]

linuxgnubee,

i find myself in the same ship as you. i started playing games in the early 90's when i was starting out at uni. back then it was dos and windows 3.1. I soon found myself thinking of ways to earn a living from playing games instead of just whiling way the hours playing them.

so this year, i started a company with the aim of producing a computer game. only problem is i know next to nothing bout programing. i m hoping to put together a team of people who can help me realise my dream. ofcourse you will need cash to do it this way. and i'm afraid i dont have the required amount yet. but i m exploring all avenues.

like arcadeninja says, its never too late to pursue a dream. sometimes you just gotta take a chance. if you dont try, you will never know.

[ChrisB]

You're never to old to pursue a dream...except maybe professional athlete.

[Zooch]

Didn't GCG post an article written by an industry vet (or something like that) about this exact question?

EDIT: Found it.

[yougcg]

Sorry to be the bad stickler here, but yes I believe age does matter. However everyone may say it doesn't that is a fable because virtually everyone I have met or known who is working in the business (at least the mean average age) is 24. Now there are some senior staff that are older, but for entry level people they are young if not younger, some out of high school and working. So I would have to say for the most part, the entry is aged, but the ongoing career if you can get into it most likely isn't. I would also like to add that the career is also sexist, but I won't go any further since this topic is about age.

[yaustar]

Age *may* matter. I have met a few people in their thirties that have started out at the entry level.