I'm serious about game programming,but you know there are so many fields to choose from,like AI,graphics,etc.Some say it is impossible for any single person to produce a big game on his own,but isn't a game programmer supposed to know every aspect about game programming?If so,and I choose graphics to spend most of my time on,how deep should I understand the other techniques?Is moderate level enough?or should I command everything?(I really really to create my OWN game,maybe not so big like Doom or Unreal Tournament,but it should include everything a real 3D game has.I don't mind if I have to spend 3 or 5 years on it). As to comilers and operating systems,should I command it like a compiler designer or something? I wonder if I can survive in the gaming industry by working as an algorithm anylizer or something?If so ,that'll be my first choice over graphic programmer(because I am now learning D.E.Knuth's "The Art of Computer Programming",and it is so hard I guess it will consume so much of my time that I don't have time to understand others deeply). And one final question but no profanity:can I get a decent pay to support my family by being a game programmer?However I love it,I have to be real. I'm really confused,and I would appreciate your help very much.

Quote:Original post by baixiangzhlt
And one final question but no profanity:can I get a decent pay to support my family by being a game programmer?However I love it,I have to be real.
I'm really confused,and I would appreciate your help very much.

a quick google came up with this article:
http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/416/the_game_industry_salary_survey_2007.php
shows the average salary of the different fields in the game industry...

Average salary for a game programmer with three or fewer years experience: $65,833 or $57,913. Average salary Across all experience levels: $80,886. So i think you should be fine...

but if you are planning to to create your own game, then i think you should just take game programming as an hobby and find a job that is related to programming. this is just what i think, im not a real game programmer myself so i might be wrong >_<(thats why im hanging out at the beginners forums)

baixiangzhlt,

What is your current situation? If you have a family right now it might be hard to find the time to learn computer science. If you still in High School I would encourage you pursue at least a bachelors degree in computer science. Once you get this degree many many doors will be open to you. As for specialization, that comes with time. Just give it time.