9 answers
Patrick
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Asked
907 views
Where is a good place to start?
As a high school student with the goal to life the dream I would like to know where a good entry level job would be for a new game developer. I do have the ability to learn quickly and think creatively but not to the point where I wan to go inde #software . #gamedev #technology #job
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9 answers
John Hyland
Engineering Manager
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
John’s Answer
The best way to learn to program is to start doing some programming! Think about what kinds of games you're interested in making, and then see what sorts of toolkits and materials already exist to help you get started with that sort of game. The tools and languages you use may vary a fair bit from one genre to another. For example, a web based game may be based on JavaScript and run in a browser, whereas a first person shooter might be built out with the Unity toolkit, and an iphone app would probably be written with Swift and XCode. Other types of games might have other tools that you'd want to work with -- try one that seems interesting, and if you don't like it, try another one!
One thing that will be useful no matter what kind of game you're building is to learn some basics of programming. Things like variables, loops, arrays, and so on. You can learn those basics in just about any language, and they'll probably be fairly similar in any other language you move to, though the syntax may be different. (Syntax is just how you write something -- for example, in one language assigning a variable might look like "x = 5", but in another language it might be "x := 5" or "let x = 5". They're all doing basically the same thing, though.) You can learn these from a book, or from online courses, or any number of different ways, but the important thing is to put them into practice! You'll learn much faster and much better if you're using those new skills to work on something you're interested in, like a game, as opposed to just doing random exercises.
Good luck, and have fun!
One thing that will be useful no matter what kind of game you're building is to learn some basics of programming. Things like variables, loops, arrays, and so on. You can learn those basics in just about any language, and they'll probably be fairly similar in any other language you move to, though the syntax may be different. (Syntax is just how you write something -- for example, in one language assigning a variable might look like "x = 5", but in another language it might be "x := 5" or "let x = 5". They're all doing basically the same thing, though.) You can learn these from a book, or from online courses, or any number of different ways, but the important thing is to put them into practice! You'll learn much faster and much better if you're using those new skills to work on something you're interested in, like a game, as opposed to just doing random exercises.
Good luck, and have fun!
Jesse Hernandez
Data/Software Engineer
1
Answer
Fresno, California
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
Try to create a game for yourself on Unity Engine. Watch some YouTube videos to start or take advantage of the Unity tutorials that come free. Unity is free and uses C# with Visual Studio Community (also free).
Get a feel for what it would take to finish one tutorial project. Once you finish the tutorial, did you enjoy it? You're basically trying to answer the question of--should I continue pursuing this path?
If yes, then subscribe to professional video trainings like Lynda, Udemy, etc. Some if not all offer student subscriptions or discounts. Try to create a game or two. This will expose you to some of the basic concepts of design, logic, and deployment.
I hope that helps!
Get a feel for what it would take to finish one tutorial project. Once you finish the tutorial, did you enjoy it? You're basically trying to answer the question of--should I continue pursuing this path?
If yes, then subscribe to professional video trainings like Lynda, Udemy, etc. Some if not all offer student subscriptions or discounts. Try to create a game or two. This will expose you to some of the basic concepts of design, logic, and deployment.
I hope that helps!
Rick Cobb
sales/field operations executive
1
Answer
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Patrick! I'm not sure what your plans are for college after high school, but if you can find a way to get a computer science degree, there are not nearly enough developers to match demand in the gaming industry or any software-centric industry (which is now pretty much every industry).
Let's say you can't attend college full time but want to get a foot in the door. Customer Support and Quality Assurance are two areas with good entry level roles that one might fill while taking classes at night or online.
If you want it are persistent and are willing to work, you will have a terrific career in technology/the gaming industry!
Let's say you can't attend college full time but want to get a foot in the door. Customer Support and Quality Assurance are two areas with good entry level roles that one might fill while taking classes at night or online.
If you want it are persistent and are willing to work, you will have a terrific career in technology/the gaming industry!
Nick Johnson
Site Reliability Engineer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Focus on the basics (particularly math) while you're still in school. If looking at universities, check out some that offer Computer Science degrees that offer a emphasis in game development. Check out the Academy of Art - https://www.academyart.edu/academics/game-development/
Akshay Koshti
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Akshay’s Answer
There are 2 thinks as a fresher to look for:
1) Look at some 2D games like snake, tic tac toe games, where you will have to think of different conditions such as what next step to go for.
2) Parallely you should understand the basic data structures.
This 2 things will help to get any algorithm/pseudo code ready.
Search online for different coding languages used and will have good scope in future for gaming.
Choose one of those and once you get to know the basic syntax like conditions, loops, etc. You can the small 2D games first on your own.
Gradually try to go for bigger picture as and how you develop these skills. This will help you understand what basic things you need to create a game.
As you want to be a developer for creating games, of course you must be interested to play games too.
See what kind of games you are interested in and check which all companies are available for freshers, you can showcase your games to those companies as part of your skills.
All the best.
1) Look at some 2D games like snake, tic tac toe games, where you will have to think of different conditions such as what next step to go for.
2) Parallely you should understand the basic data structures.
This 2 things will help to get any algorithm/pseudo code ready.
Search online for different coding languages used and will have good scope in future for gaming.
Choose one of those and once you get to know the basic syntax like conditions, loops, etc. You can the small 2D games first on your own.
Gradually try to go for bigger picture as and how you develop these skills. This will help you understand what basic things you need to create a game.
As you want to be a developer for creating games, of course you must be interested to play games too.
See what kind of games you are interested in and check which all companies are available for freshers, you can showcase your games to those companies as part of your skills.
All the best.
Paula Robb
Career Coach
5
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Paula’s Answer
I suggest the following steps:
- look at job ads for Game Developers at companies that are local to you
- make a list of those companies and call/email Human Resources to request a brief information-gathering meeting to learn more about the education/skills needed to become a Game Developer
- Check Meetup.com for local Game Developer Groups
Good luck!
- look at job ads for Game Developers at companies that are local to you
- make a list of those companies and call/email Human Resources to request a brief information-gathering meeting to learn more about the education/skills needed to become a Game Developer
- Check Meetup.com for local Game Developer Groups
Good luck!
Jill Eckhart
Program Manager, Former Videogame Producer, currently working on Videogame development tools and services
13
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Jill’s Answer
There are many schools that teach game development, and many of those have internship programs with larger game companies. When talking to schools, ask them about their internship or new hire placement programs. At larger companies, it can be difficult to get an entry-level job without being a part of one of these programs.
If you are interested in getting your foot in the door any way you can, one potential path is through testing/quality assurance. These jobs open up more frequently than spots on the core development team and require less experience. As a tester, you may get the chance to interact with the game team and have them get to know you. If you do a great job, you may be able to use your new connections to get a position on the game team.
I would also agree with the other comments that making your own levels or even a small game can be a big help. That way, once you do get your foot in the door, you have something to show people.
You can also look for game jams online or in your area. These are informal get togethers where people spend a few days making a game. It can be a great way to get to know other people with similar interests and practice your skills.
If you are interested in getting your foot in the door any way you can, one potential path is through testing/quality assurance. These jobs open up more frequently than spots on the core development team and require less experience. As a tester, you may get the chance to interact with the game team and have them get to know you. If you do a great job, you may be able to use your new connections to get a position on the game team.
I would also agree with the other comments that making your own levels or even a small game can be a big help. That way, once you do get your foot in the door, you have something to show people.
You can also look for game jams online or in your area. These are informal get togethers where people spend a few days making a game. It can be a great way to get to know other people with similar interests and practice your skills.
Dennis Prendergast
Account Manager
64
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Patrick sounds like an exciting Career and even most important you will be doing something you really thoroughly enjoy. Check Social Media updates and Game Developer opportunities including training oppts in your Area as well!
Best of Luck!
Best of Luck!
Adam Harwood
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Adam’s Answer
The best way to progress is just to practice and practice more! There are a lot of good guides on the internet now about getting into game programming. Really though, working on any programming (games or not) is all going to be applicable. The more time you can dedicate to practicing and getting better, the higher the chance you'll land a job you want.
If you practice enough, you'll be surprised at how quickly you learn, and how, before long, you'll be able to start building a game entirely on your own. Having some game you've built, even if it's small and incomplete, is the best thing you can show to a company to get an entry-level job. It will show them you're passionate, and a fast learner, and have some basic skills that you'll be bringing with you.
And don't stress about not knowing everything. No employer is expecting you to know everything. Having a starting point, and the willingness to admit when you don't know something, is all you need.
If you practice enough, you'll be surprised at how quickly you learn, and how, before long, you'll be able to start building a game entirely on your own. Having some game you've built, even if it's small and incomplete, is the best thing you can show to a company to get an entry-level job. It will show them you're passionate, and a fast learner, and have some basic skills that you'll be bringing with you.
And don't stress about not knowing everything. No employer is expecting you to know everything. Having a starting point, and the willingness to admit when you don't know something, is all you need.