Is game programming worth it?

Question

For all those who program Video Games as a hobby or as a job. Do you think that video game programming as a job is worth it? Is the pay good? Are the work times good? I hear that working in the game industry isn't that great so please answer.

Answer 1

Personally I think my career in game development is worth every ounce of sweat and blood I've put into it, but it's a very personal thing. I've also known a lot of people who have burned out and left games for a more normal career path.

As far as pay and hours, you will generally work more hours for less pay than in other industries, even very similar industries like non-entertainment software, or the movie biz. More people want to get into game development than there are jobs available, which drives the salaries down, and we don't have unions like Hollywood does, so we can't negotiate for better hours or better pay.

Crunch exists at *every* game company, no matter what they tell you, but some are a lot better than others. A few companies have been sued for overtime wages in the past few years, so crunch is getting to be more reasonable -- unless you work for a huge sweatshop like EA, you usually get some combination of profit sharing or overtime pay for working crunch hours. But you *will* be expected to work long, demanding hours during the last phase of development -- last year I worked 9am to midnight, six days a week, sometimes several hours on Sunday, from August until early December. You have to *love* doing this to be able to survive work like that.

As far as pay goes, the Game Developer magazine does a salary survey every couple of years; 2006's is posted here: http://gamecareerguide.com/features/266/index.php?cid=GCG06_ENDEX3 Game programmers tend to make more money than the other development branches (design and art, loosely) -- about $20,000 more per year than Designers (the "idea guys"), on average -- but it's still a lot less than what a good programmer can make outside of the game industry. OTOH, programmers are usually a lot more in demand than artists or designers, because so many good programmers decide to make the big bucks at a normal software company instead of working in games, so it can be pretty easy to find a job as a game programmer.

So yes, the pay is comfortable but not amazing, and the hours are rough, but for me it's totally worth it. Even after the worst day at work, you can still sit back and go "hey, they *pay* me to make games."

Answer 2

Game Programming Career

Answer 3

Good questions. Video game programming is only worth it if you love programming video games. The pay tends to be good, with low end salaries around $40,000 going up to 6 figures for good programmers. Work time is standard 40 hrs / week, but be prepared for lots of overtime without pay on some projects (depends on a case by case basis).

Their is some bad stigma with working in the games industry, and a lot of it is true. In a worst case scenario, being a game programmer is like getting paid 6 figures to work in a sweat shop. It's a lot of work, and by the time most games are done many people leave or are fired because they can't stand working with each other. It's not always bad though, some teams do stay together and are very happy working together. If you are going into this field, I implore you to do a lot of research on a company and it's history.

Answer 4

I hope to program Computer Games too. Yes, video game programming is definitely a job and it is definitely worth. The pay is super duper good as well as the work times. Just always try the very best you can, and you will do awesome in video game programming.

Answer 5

There is a lot of competition because so many people want to do it. It will be a long road before you can get into a company that produces any good games. The education you will need will be remarkably boring. Programming isn't cake, it's a pain in the ***.

Answer 6

Hey,
as a former game programmer i can tell you that first of all, if you get to a medium to major company - the pay is huge. Work times usually depend on the project, not on the contract.
If you and/or your team get your job done keepin to the schedule, then working hours won't be a problem.

But please believe this: If you are doing it for the money or for the nice work hours, just don't. If it's not FUN for you, leave it.
As long as it's fun you won't mind long hours.
And as for the payment, well you are gonna have to earn it, you won't be making the 100 g's in the first year.... but if you are good and produce good results, it can come very fast, trust me.

I wish you luck :)

Answer 7

Thinking for the pay is second thing man, first priority should be your love..

Do what you love,

As for your question, game programming is worth it, really. But dont stick to it, make yourself broad, learn 3D Desinging etc..

And i wonder how much games exist on earth. Job for sure man.

Just try..work hard, and run.

Answer 8

If you are a talented programmer or graphic designer, the pay can be very good. It all depends on the kinds of projects you are working on and the company. It is really no different than any other type of software company. The only difference is that you are working on something that may be more interesting than other projects. But in the end, you are still humping out code.

Answer 9

I thought he started before that. Probably selling them as memorabilia to sports restaurants in Norman and Oklahoma City. Like Woody says... put them on eBay but first find all the singnifican things that happend during that time to make them unique. And maybe point out the accomplishments later in life of the newer players in that program. And if you really want to add value have Switzer autograph them. I understand he is real open to autographs, but you have to track him down when he isn't busy.

Answer 10

Everyone wants a place in the game industry, so it's VERY hard to get in...
The pay is pretty good, but the hours are pretty extreme, and during crunch time you might have to pull like all-nighters at the office.