What did you major in?

[Vinen]

Computer Science (I do not plan on pursuing my masters), going back in another year to work on my second degree. Probably in Biomedical Engineering / Biotech.

[Pyree]

comp sci with a math minor....because it's only 2 extra classes ><. Only 2 semesters left, then maybe grad school...although I read an article that suggests getting a game programmer job may not be helped all that much by grad school. ;;

Having done game programming for a while, I can tell you that it isn't really all it's cut out to be.

Cool! Anything I'd know? I have heard a lot of horror stories, but honestly, I'm not really passionate about anything else... So my career prospects are game programming, curator of a game museum (but I'd need considerable starting capital...) or professor of computer science or Ludology. (the study of games....I hate that spell check still red-lines that word ><) Programmer seems the least pipe-dream of those.

The hours are shitty, the schedule is horrible and you'll be working your ass off to meet milestones on time. It's the kind of thing you only really should aim to do if you really do like doing it

Game programming is also what I'm going to school for, but I really love it. I don't mind the long hours because I have fun doing it.

[divisortheory]

comp sci with a math minor....because it's only 2 extra classes ><. Only 2 semesters left, then maybe grad school...although I read an article that suggests getting a game programmer job may not be helped all that much by grad school. ;;

Having done game programming for a while, I can tell you that it isn't really all it's cut out to be.

Cool! Anything I'd know?

Probably not unless you're just a pro. The game I worked on (Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns) was the first game ever for a startup shop (Timegate Studios). It won some awards and got great reviews, but all in all there was very little money for marketing being a startup and all, so most people never heard of it. You might have heard of the sequel though if you're an RTS fan. The company has grown quite a bit though, and has a few games under its belt now. Working on an FPS from what I understand.

[Mizango]

BA History, specifically of East and Central Asia. Graduate '09.

Nice, I was VERY close to majoring in History as well. I am a history buff to this day and read it recreationally when time permits. Kick ass dude.

[ertyu]

Major in Marketing
Minor in Japanese
International business certificate

At least thats my intention.

Arizona State

& Holy shit, Timegate studios does FEAR, love those games lol.

[Denchi]

Ummm.... beware of some of the japanese teachers at ASU.

[captainbeards]

comp sci with a math minor....because it's only 2 extra classes ><. Only 2 semesters left, then maybe grad school...although I read an article that suggests getting a game programmer job may not be helped all that much by grad school. ;;

Having done game programming for a while, I can tell you that it isn't really all it's cut out to be.

Cool! Anything I'd know?

Probably not unless you're just a pro. The game I worked on (Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns) was the first game ever for a startup shop (Timegate Studios). It won some awards and got great reviews, but all in all there was very little money for marketing being a startup and all, so most people never heard of it. You might have heard of the sequel though if you're an RTS fan. The company has grown quite a bit though, and has a few games under its belt now. Working on an FPS from what I understand.

I'm usually good with videogame obscura, but unfortunately, I'm not familiar with that one... I looked up their website and it appears they're working on a new F.E.A.R. game....looks like they're big-time now. :D

[Count Bifrons]

weeaboo detection and my skills are telling me everyone in this topic is a weeaboo

[archibaldcrane]

My best friend did the Comp Sci thing and is a game programmer now, he enjoys it quite a bit.

(and he makes a bunch of money)

What's a bunch? Game programmers have historically made considerably less than other types of programmers. And you typically have to work grueling hours.

He's finishing up his 2nd year at his current company (worked for another software company before for 1.5 years, not game related) and is making 80k/yr + bonuses (typically in the 10k range) but he's jumping ship to a new company that his old boss is just starting in a month where he'll start "somewhere between 95k-105k" plus bonuses, which I feel is pretty good for 4 years out of school. He has a recruiter calling him trying to headhunt at least twice a month - apparently he's really good at what he does.

[Kuya]

i have a Ph.D in kicking your ass

[ertyu]

Ummm.... beware of some of the japanese teachers at ASU.

Who? I've had every teacher except Foard and she's subbed for me like 3 times... none of them seem bad. Wong is kind of a bitch but everyone else is cool.

[divisortheory]

My best friend did the Comp Sci thing and is a game programmer now, he enjoys it quite a bit.

(and he makes a bunch of money)

What's a bunch? Game programmers have historically made considerably less than other types of programmers. And you typically have to work grueling hours.

He's finishing up his 2nd year at his current company (worked for another software company before for 1.5 years, not game related) and is making 80k/yr + bonuses (typically in the 10k range) but he's jumping ship to a new company that his old boss is just starting in a month where he'll start "somewhere between 95k-105k" plus bonuses, which I feel is pretty good for 4 years out of school. He has a recruiter calling him trying to headhunt at least twice a month - apparently he's really good at what he does.

That's actually a decent salary, but then again I guess it depends where he lives. Could be average or could be above average. Although admittedly the game job I had was about 4 years ago, it's possible game companies in general have just wisened up and started paying more. When I was doing it it was a fucking joke.