Seriously bone up on the mathematics and physics, I know that, but what else? I mean, obviously computer languages...but what languages should I specifically learn? To what level of math? Calculus III? I'm a junior in high school with some great community colleges near by and I attend one of the highest ranked high schools in the nation- I have tons of opportunities. So if it can be taken, I can take it. So what should I start taking? Then what? Thanks for your answer.
2007-01-22 17:33:35 · 5 answers · asked by fslcaptain737 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
I guess I should include WHAT I want to program- games. I know, I know, it sounds naive, but there are people who do it.
2007-01-22 17:42:33 · update #1
Hello,
It is commendable that you are thinking already of your future as early as now. I look forward to your success.
To be a games programmer is not easy, nor is any other profession. Right now I would suggest you study C and then C++. Try to challenge yourself with different coding problems and algorithms. If you can, learn java also. Take time to look at amazing algorithms and mathematical solutions also.
Second, try to study some art and history. Art will provide you with a good control over color. History and social culture study will provide you with story lines and other stuff that might come in handy.
However the most important part is that I hope your dream does not rob you of your youth. Try to strike a balance. Being focussed with your dreams is good but also try to enjoy life. Courtship, Sports, Friends and a whole lot of other stuff is out there.
At least if your dreams crumble, you could still go back to the other things you have learned and to those wonderful memories. Point being, Balance it for now since your future profession is uncertain.
One more thing, if you really desire to be a games developer, find a first job related to games development. You may not be a programmer at first but experience counts a lot in game-developing companies.
Good luck!
2007-01-22 17:53:52 · answer #1 · answered by GorbanZus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm skeptical of the schools that are dedicated to just game development. The main reason is that I'm big believer in the college experience, meeting different kinds of people and having a well rounded education. If you are going to a great high school, plan on going to a top-rated university for engineering.
If you are passionate about making games and a good engineer, you can make it as a game developer. The best way to learn is to make a game. Start simple. Pick your favorite arcade game and code it. Then, have somebody else play it. You'll find that it takes a lot of back-and-forth to get a game to 'feel' right. That is why game-development is so difficult. You can't write the requirements down on paper like other software projects. Instead, you have to have people play it and get feed back. That requires lots of patience!
A pitfall I've seen in the industry is that it has a Hollywood like aura. Lots of young people are willing to be abused (long hours, and lots of stress) for the glory of the being in the industry.
Good Luck, and get busy coding!
2007-01-23 07:16:02 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin J 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say you are doing the right thing now. I would say take math as far as you can, to save time in college so you don't have to study non-stop. If you want to get started try learning a computer language I would start with Ruby, perl, even PHP because it will give you an idea of what coding is like without immersing you in the arcane world of memory management (also, if you change your mind there is tons of work developing for the web).
Most CS programs teach largely in Java, but this is not going to be useful in game development (except conceptually), where C++ reigns supreme.
2007-01-23 01:43:02 · answer #3 · answered by GrainOfSalt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
C++ is a great place to start. Learn JAVA for even more diversity. With either of those under your belt, you'll easily learn any of the scripting languages often used in games. These higher level languages are certainly useful if you'll be programming game engines or AI.
Once you've gotten comfortable with C++ or JAVA, try to volunteer as an intern for a game studio to gain some great experience and a strong resume item.
POST EDIT: there are colleges that specialize in the games industry such as http://www.digipen.edu
2007-01-23 01:42:39 · answer #4 · answered by bogus_dude 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Programming games is not fun like playing them.
First go into college, learn more about other things, then re-think what to do in life.
2007-01-23 03:44:04 · answer #5 · answered by BataV 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋