Thank you for reading this thread. My name is Kevin. I have a Bachelors of Science in Game Development. This degree is from Full Sail University. I received a diploma in Game Development from Full Sail University February 2010. Despite my passion about making video games as a programmer, I have only 7 months worth of experience developing video games and only 2 months of paid experience. My current jobs have little to nothing to do with programming or the Game Industry. 

The problems I face at this point is my lack of experience, my not knowing what type of programming position makes the most sense, or how after this sabbatical to get my feet proverbially wet. The subtle problem is I may be too open minded. Just to give more insight about myself my programming knowledge and wisdom may be too broad. If someone wants me to write a program and they mention the features of the program, there is a good chance I will be able to write this piece of software, because I am familiar with C++, Assembly Language for Windows XP, and somewhat familiar with C#. I am even familiar with Design Patterns and various programming paradigms. I also know enough about Graphics and Artificial INtelligence, that with some mentorship, I could contribute to the game by writing Graphics Code or Artificial Intelligence code. So my first question is how do I narrow down all this when trying to find an ideal job? 

If you would not mind, please tell me the various roles and requirements for game developers. If this sort of question has already been answered, then please forgive me for this posting and post a link to this other post. Thank you for reading this post, and I look forward to reading your replies.

19 hours ago, PerezPrograms said:

my not knowing what type of programming position makes the most sense ... please tell me the various roles and requirements for game developers.

Mixed message here. On the one hand, you say you are looking for a programming job, but then you ask about other jobs. For "various roles and requirements," see my article 7.  You say you graduated 8 years ago and have worked outside the game industry since then. Can you tell us more, like what kind of work have you been doing since graduation? It might still be applicable. And where do you live? Have you been expanding your game dev portfolio since graduation? 

The main requirements for a game programming job are: CS degree, portfolio, and living near game dev jobs. You can use gamedevmap.com to identify local game companies.

Going back to your question, I worked on a Sega Game as a black box tester for 1 month. I also worked as a tools tester on Lego Universe. With the tools tester, there were various in-house tools, which I tested to make sure they are intuitive and did what they are supposed to do. For 4 years to present, I have delivered pizzas and other foods, which people order from Village Pizza. Plus, I have worked for 2 years cleaning pool filters. As a hobby, I have researched astrology, tarot, and the I Ching. Even though, I can contribute much as a programmer, it is possible, I will one day become a designer. However, each time I think of working in the Video Game Industry, I think of working as a programmer. 

Please forgive me for repeating much of what I said earlier. The main things I wish to show you in this post is that I have been able to teach the teacher once or twice. Despite this, finding a job as a programmer was quite difficult for me. Would it be prudent to try to get a programming job once again, now that the market has improved, or should I go the route of a designer? Or perhaps as an INFP, it would make sense to find a startup company, which asks for a generalist? 

3 hours ago, PerezPrograms said:

The main things I wish to show you in this post is that I have been able to teach the teacher once or twice. Despite this, finding a job as a programmer was quite difficult for me. Would it be prudent to try to get a programming job once again, now that the market has improved, or should I go the route of a designer?

Having shown a teacher a thing or two does not equal a CS degree. Please forgive me for repeating something I said earlier. To get a programming job, you need more than what you have; if you want to pursue that route, you need to fill in the gaps. In the absence of a CS degree, you need an excellent programming portfolio.

The route to Game Designer is no easier. To become a game designer, you need years of game industry experience, your name in the credits of numerous games, and the trust and respect of former teammates. You say you did game testing and tools testing. If you could get back into that, you could conceivably work your way up to designer eventually.

22 hours ago, Tom Sloper said:

Having shown a teacher a thing or two does not equal a CS degree. Please forgive me for repeating something I said earlier. To get a programming job, you need more than what you have; if you want to pursue that route, you need to fill in the gaps. In the absence of a CS degree, you need an excellent programming portfolio.

The route to Game Designer is no easier. To become a game designer, you need years of game industry experience, your name in the credits of numerous games, and the trust and respect of former teammates. You say you did game testing and tools testing. If you could get back into that, you could conceivably work your way up to designer eventually.

Just to be sure I am understanding you right, there are gaps. If these gaps are not filled, I will not get a job as a programmer at a video game developer/publisher company. The first gap, earning a CS degree, has been filled. The second potential gap is having a programming portfolio. If I am genuinely okay with receiving any programming position, then it stands to reason, I should have several programs in my portfolio. For example, I should have a program showing I know C++ C. I should have another demo showing A.I. Perhaps, a third demo showing graphics. The confusing part for me at least, is suppose, I see a job posting for ____________. One of the requirements is knowing OpenGL. I could merely mention how much experience I have developing OpenGL based software. Or I could show the demo. How would you go about showing the potential employer the portfolio?

21 minutes ago, PerezPrograms said:

How would you go about showing the potential employer the portfolio?

The portfolio should be on the web, with a simple easy URL, an intuitive user interface, and spectacular downloadable samples of your best work. You share the URL on your home page, your email sig, and your business card. You link to it in job application cover emails and in your resume. 

Thank you for the advice.