MAKING IT AS A PROGRAMMER IN GAMES!
Though it may be a more ‘behind-the-scenes’ type of job and code rarely gets seen in it’s rawest form, games would not exist without a good programmer. For this month’s blog post, we’ve got one of our most experienced team members, Marc, to guide us through starting up a career in game dev programming! From how best to show off your skills to standing out, here’s the advice of a AAA veteran!
BUILDING A SHOW-STOPPING PORTFOLIO
A good portfolio for a video game programmer should showcase a diverse range of projects that highlight technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It should include both personal projects and any professional work that demonstrates proficiency in C++ or C#. Ideally, projects should be made in Unity or Unreal as they are the most common engines. You can also showcase your work on a personal website and include references to code on a platform like GitHub.
STANDING OUT
Show off personal projects
Highlight any side projects or hobby work related to game programming, especially those demonstrating your creativity and ability to learn independently.
During interviews
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've encountered in your projects and how you approached and solved them!
Demonstrate a passion for the industry
Make sure to show off your enthusiasm for game development by discussing favourite games, what you liked most about their design and showcasing your know-how by how you can emulate industry-standard skills.
HUNTING DOWN OPPORTUNITIES
Programmers are often in demand, so having a computer science degree should be enough to get you a junior position. Here’s a few other things you can do to increase your chances of getting your ideal job!
Join game dev communities
Participate in forums, subreddits, and Discord servers dedicated to game development to connect with other developers and discover potential collaboration opportunities.
Attend game dev events
Participate in game jams, conferences, and workshops to meet others in the industry, collaborate on projects, and gain hands-on experience.
Take online courses and tutorials
Enroll in online classes, tutorials, and workshops offered by platforms like Udemy and Unity Learn to develop your skills and gain practical experience in game development at your own pace.