Video Game Programming

Does anyone here work for/know someone who works for a video game manufacturer? I've been teaching myself how to program (C-based languages and a couple others) for the past year, with the hopes of eventually getting a job programming/developing video games. I'm not looking for a job right now, but if anyone could give me some pointers, advice, etc. on what to study, whether or not I should get a degree, and if so, what degree, etc. I've been over many developer's websites, written to a few, etc., but I haven't found many accounts of what it's actually like to work for one of these companies, and specifically what they look for in employees. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I dont work in the game industry, but I have read time after time that game developers/publishers look for people with experience. Basically they are looking for programmers and 3d artists who have made their own games/mods. The team that made counter strike is a prime example. They made their own mod for half-life that became extremely popular. That obviously caught the eye of Valve software who later hired in that team.

You can do what myself and my ex and 2 other guys did. Just make game add-on's. Companies that did all the work but have a hit game but dont want to put anymore man power into it but want to release an expansion pac or such. Gets ya about 20k a pop for a months work. But if you miss the deadline you SOL for all your hard work and the go with the next guy.

[Chacal]

Go to DICE's site and look at the job offers. You'll get a good idea of what's needed.

A friend of mine works for Sony Online Entertainment and works on SWG, i dont think he does coding though....

[Folic_Acid]

Maybe you should check out GamaSutra or the Game Developers' Conference sites. There's lots of interesting info about articles, research, jobs, education, and the like there.

Originally posted by Folic_Acid
Maybe you should check out GamaSutra or the Game Developers' Conference sites. There's lots of interesting info about articles, research, jobs, education, and the like there.

Thanks a ton, Folic! These sites are going to be infinitely helpful to me.

Also, Fat, how do you get jobs like that? I imagine that it's an independent contracting deal, but who do you get in touch with, cos I imagine that you'd need a copy of their code. Thanks.