I'm in a community college now and I plan on graduating from it with some programming knowledge, do I stop and try to find a programming job or get my computer science degree? I want to be a game programmer or maybe a software engineer, I want to have enough cash to be very comfortable. Any help???
2007-03-19 09:38:39 · 7 answers · asked by Kris M 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
If you are looking for job security and financial stability, software engineer, hands-down. Game programming is the "glamorous" field of computer programming. Consequently, there is huge competition to get in, and if you don't like the low salary, or the long hours, there are 10 other people waiting to take your place. So game companies like EA do not have to work very hard for their employees or make sure they are happy. Additionally, game companies go belly-up every day, and just as many get acquired or merged into larger game companies, and redundancies are inevitable - so people get laid off in large numbers.
Software engineering is not exactly a "cool" field, but it's far more stable and reliable. Not immune to the problems described above, but they happen far less frequently, more in line with other typical industries.
2007-03-19 09:41:28 · answer #1 · answered by Rex M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A computer game designer is a very risky field to get into. You don't make money if the game doesn't sell and it takes time to develop a game. Software designers are very useful to companies. An experience application designer may go from one company to another selling some software that was development to promote their productivity. Or, a software developer may go to a company and work with them on developing and improving their original software. Both sides can be well worth the money. I suggest trying out both and then deciding which way to go. Also, learn as much as you can. Become experienced. The world will only pay you for what it thinks you're worth.
Best of luck!
2007-03-19 09:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by Raise The Bahr 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From what I've heard about the game development industry, I'd go with a software engineer. And you should complete your degree first. Try to take some actual software engineering courses if possible. You will see that there is much much more to it than just programming.
2007-03-19 11:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should continue you education and start a career in the same time.
I also think to be a software engineer in much more better than to be a game programmer.
How ever it depends on your programming language and your knowledge.
2007-03-19 09:49:03 · answer #4 · answered by AbcD 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No doubt, software. Learn your C (C++, C#) and Java. Maybe Visual Basic. Stuff like that.
Gaming is great and all...
But go for the software.
Besides, it's not all about the money anyway...what do YOU want to do?!
2007-03-19 10:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The gaming industry only accounts for under 10% of the computer industry....For job security, I would go with software.....
2007-03-19 09:43:25 · answer #6 · answered by Vincent 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
remember that you can have the cash but not be happy at your job. so money but not happy. so do the software thing for a bit and save then do the gaming thing.
2007-03-19 09:46:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋