If you have a love for video games and technology, a career as a video game programmer may be for you. A video game programmer must have the ability to learn new skills quickly. Reading manuals and following code examples are also important to a career in game programming. To be a successful video game programmer, you have also have to be willing and able to work well with others, as video games are usually a collaborative effort. A programmer can focus on becoming an artificial intelligence programmer, engine programmer, or interface programmer.
Game programmers must work with a wide range of professionals. This makes communication skills a key component to success. As the majority of a video game programmer's time is spent writing computer codes, they should understand jargon required to translate gaming needs into codes. Video game programmers usually have a great deal of experience playing similar games to those that they create. This makes recreational gaming an asset for a career in video game programming.
A programmer's education usually begins with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. Other possible degree paths include software engineering, graphic design, and mathematics. Expect to take many computer science and math related courses. A video game programmer must be fluent in a variety of programming languages. Some of the traditional programming languages are C, C++, and Java. Since there are a variety of programming career paths, other courses to focus on include artificial intelligence, graphics, and audio design. You'll receive hands on experience while in school, but it's suggested to seek an internship to be a prime candidate upon graduation.
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