The more posts I read on gamedev, the more I read that people want to do a good demo disk or whatever, so they can get a job for EA or Eidos or Id or whoever. It seems the standard way into the industry is to ''pay your dues'' working on a big game for one of the big developers, then strike out on your own. Now I am fully aware of the financial considerations that encourage this standard way in, but Is it really the best way? I dont have any intention of getting a job at Bullfrog or whatever, despite living near Guildford in the UK (the UK''S game mecca), I think its much more fufilling, exciting and fun to try and start from scratch. My games dont sell mega bucks yet, even though ive squeezed onto some compilations in GAME and EB, but Im enjoying the work so much more than if I had some boring job doing tools design for the next cricket game... Im just trying to say that for all those amateur coders thinking they HAVE to get a job with a major developer, you dont - you can try and do it yourself. We need more indepedant developers with good, original ideas. Its not for everyone of course, But i thought it was time someone mentioned the ''other'' way into game development. http://www.positech.co.uk

Wow, you have posted very inspiring thoughts. I agree with you. I think that if the talented when independent there would be stuff out in the industry.

JmarsKoder: Founder of "The Minds of Kosign" http://www.kosign.cjb.net/

A group for the most passionate coders. "The Art of Code"

What''s so good about Guildford that makes game companies want to locate there? I wish there were more companies in the North of England (where I live)...

"Born of a Broken Man, but not a broken man."

Why does it cost so much? All I need is Visual Studio and a lawyer, and I''m happy.


The_Minister

Im glad Joviex agrees. People keep saying ''You need millions to make a hit game these days.'' This is complete rubbish. Look at rollercoaster tycoon, one of the top selling games of 1999. A massive hit, critical and popular acclaim.... written by one programmer with an artist working part time. This is a Fact.
Sure if you want amazing cutscenes and four million hours of voiceover it costs millions, but hasnt the Blair Witch project shown that you do not need millions to make something a hit. Like a previous poster said, Dollars dont make games, people do.
I know that you can learn a lot from working for a big compnay, but you can learn the wrong things to. Sometimes you come up with cool ways to do something, just because youve never been taugt the ''standard'' ways.
Like Yoda says... "You must unlearn what you have learned..."

http://www.positech.co.uk

I''m wondering, would it be wise to get a job doing "standard" programming before trying to jump into the game industry? Or is game-programming experience all that the large game producers are looking for?

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random-nomad

Speaking of which, if you live in Canada are there really any opportunities to get a job as a game programmer?

The only companies I really know here are Bioware and Corel (but they only occasionally make stinkers in between word processors

So, if in the future I would like to get a job in the industry I would have to move to the states?

Peter