Career Question (mostly geared towards software developers)

Death Cab For Albie

Hey all,

So I graduated from college about 5 years ago with a degree in Computer Science. Learned C++, did well, got degree. However, the first job I found and the career niche i've fallen into has been that of a Weblogic/Sharepoint Admin. The money is great, the technology is very in demand....but it's boring.

I moved to Dallas a couple months ago for a new job and was investigating SMU for my Graduate degree when I noticed they have (what appears to be) a top notch game design program there called the Guildhall. My question is, have I waited too long to get into game design? I haven't written any code in C++ since I graduated (I use a lot of Python and Powershell in my line of work though), and i'm wondering if i'll be getting in over my head by trying for a graduate degree in game development(i know the industry sucks, and that's fine, but that's not what this is about) when I haven't done any hardcore programming since my bachelors?

spool32

It's never too late. You're what... 26? 27? Come on! I'm 10 years older and still retraining myself all the time for better career moves.

Rhino

Hop in and do it as a hobby on the side and see if you like it. C++ is great, but you could also use "Java" if you want to target Andriod phones (and win/mac/linux too). Flash if you want to target the web.

I would generally advise against most 'game developer' programs. Chances are, you've learned more with your CS degree already then anything they could teach you.

Also depends on what you want to do as a game developer? One man indie shop or work at big corp? If you work at a big corp, chances are you will specialize on something. That is, you'll deal mostly with graphics or networking or such and not really cross over much (at least if you are a programmer, which is where most people start out). If you are a one man shop you need to know a bit about everything.

Game developer isn't that more difficult than business level apps. It's different, but not really harder.

Doc

Python web service dev here. We're moderately in demand, and the pay is pretty great. Not all dev work is C++ or Java.

Jasconius

It is not too late. You'll be an above average student and game developer having been in the field for such a period of time, at least in my opinion... that is, assuming your limited programming at your job was at least object oriented.

From everything I heard, the people who wash out of these game design programs tend to be the ones straight out of high school who have no great experience or perspective on how software development actually works.

I doubt you'll be in over your head... C++ doesn't change that much over time... if you study then you'll be fine.

Your Python experience is not to waste either. Games can be made in Python. There are fewer tools, but it is possible.

And yeah, I also do Python webservices. The job market is smallish, but the demand for top tier python talent is there, and the money is exceptional. Problem is, Sharepoint doesn't prepare you anymore for real web development than it would for game development.

SMU sounds like it might be a decent move for you if you can get in and afford it.