student needs interview with programmer. please help

Moving to the Lounge.

1. How much do you enjoy working as a game programmer?

It's something I wanted to do from a very early age, I think I made my first game about age 8 on the Spectrum. That said it very much depends on what I'm working on as some stuff can be very exciting where as there is also a lot of mundane stuff that has to be done. I wouldn't work in any other desk-bound industry though.

2. How difficult is it to find and hold a job in this field?

That's entirely dependant on your level of demonstratable skill. A good demo, good interview skills and a good attitude will get you through the door eventually. Networking really helps! It can still be a case of who you know and reputation to gain a job/interview. Holding a job is somewhat different, basically you need to keep up with your workload and produce quality results. Pretty much the same as any other job.

3. What type of hours are you required to work?

Typically I get into work at 0800, have an hours lunch at 1230 and leave the office at 1630. We have a fairly flexible system but everyone must be in between our core hours of 1000 and 1630. We also all take lunch at the same time. It essentially makes it easier to organise meetings. Overtime is sometimes required if you can't keep up with the workload.

4. What specific items do you work on.

I'm a Gameplay programmer so any systems that are used to actually make the playable sections of the game. This involves writing everything from combat systems, vehicle handling and other 'fun' things through to UI work at the place I'm currently working. Generally I'm working closely with designers to provide them the functionality they need to create a fun game.

5. What advice would you give a young student who is interested in this field in the future.

Start programming regularly. Start small, build little apps to demonstrate some section of programming or a games related feature. As time and your skill progress move onto larger projects. If you want to make a game, be sure you are well versed enough to actually finish it and be sure that you do! Too many times you see people drop a project because they have reached the final stages, finding it boring or hit on a problem that they don't have the technical skill to overcome.

Ask questions! If you don't know or don't understand someone, ask someone who does (either here or in school).

Learn Maths! Sad to say it but you need a good understanding of many different areas of Mathematics.




Thats pretty much it, hope it helps. I answered this off the top of my head so if you want any points clarified send me a PM.

This really needs to be put in the FAQ somewhere. These type of questions are too common :)

1, 2 and 4 aren't really FAQ-esque questions as they will differ between people and companies. ;)