Hello,

Please forgive me if this has been answered too many times before.

I am proficient (according to eLance.com) in c++, openGL, Game Development, Data Structures, OOPS, etc.

How may this translate into a full-time position in the games industry, where I live in a town of about 500 people in Canada? What choices do I have, as far as locating a desired position (on both ends), networking with like-minded people, etc.?

A full-page ad online seems to be very effective in finding freelance work with low barrier-to-entry projects, but I'm not sure if it's worthwhile to spend money marketing my services, and if so, which forums would be valuable to an aspiring game programmer.

If there are any lessons to be learned in this area of programming, I'd gladly take the plunge. It just seems like such a wide area of expertise, with no distinct signs pointing in the right direction for someone with the talent, but no inside info on the industry.

Thank you,

Kevin

You'll very likely need to relocate. I find that most decent-sized companies are willing to fly you in for an interview and cover relocation expenses, even for junior/associate programmers. I don't believe the usual "move first, look for jobs in the area later" advice is worthwhile unless you're interested in smaller shops.

What they're usually not willing to allow is remote work.