CG or Games programming?

#1

Guys, I’m almost at the point at where I must decide on where my true path lies…

I’ve spent the last 3 years learning C++/DirectX/games programming. However, the last year I’ve been doing CG animation as well…

When I was a small child, I so wanted to make games. It was all I had. I always thought programming was beyond my reach until I decided to make a go of it. Now I can program in C++ and DirectX - like I said.

I have so many ideas for games I’d like to make - and I know I could make them - but I really want to make them by myself. In a nut-shell I would like to write my own games and then sell them.

However, I’m not blind to how the industry works( even though I’ve never been successful in getting a games job! ). As far as I can tell, its just one big business. Its always got to be “games are always made by a big company - the lone wolf never makes the big time”. And it really makes me want to give up games programming.

Can I make basic 2D games and get them published somewhere? Am I going to be struggling to make money?

The other thing is that I also have a growing talent for 3D animation. I’m now learning Maya PLE at a fast rate…and I know I will eventually get good at it…

The main problem is that I find both enjoyable, and I’m good at both - but in reality I can only choose one of them to pursue.

Any input would be great - especially if you’re from the UK.

Cheers.:beer:

#2

Hey Boone, don’t despair… you can still do both. In the games industry, people like yourself who cross both borders of the camp are highly sought after. There are two ways you could go depending on which of your disciplines is stronger.

You could be Technical Artist or a Character Systems Programmer. Basically, you can go the art route doing animation or modelling, but also be heavily involved in tools and script support for the team. Alternatively, facing the other camp, You could mainly be a programmer who writes the core animation engine and supports the artists with the relevant tools.

Being in a game dev team still means you get a large chunk of input and there will be sections which you can call your own. As for the solo route, sadly I’m not exerienced in that area to offer any advice.

I hope that helps.

Samadan…

#3

Re: Samadan.

Ah, I see. Thats given me a bit of a boost in confidence!

I always thought that I had to specialise in only one thing. I’ve been learning Maya PLE for over a week now and have already started to use the MEL scripter to aid me. After learing C++ for 3 years, the other languages seem rather simple.

Well, I’m going to order the lastest version of “Visual C++ 2003” and save up for a copy of Maya 5 Complete…and use the two together! Onward to victory!

Cheers, mate!:beer:

#4

hey boone,
mel must be a walk in the park for you in that case.also get david goulds book for the basics on developing plugins and the like.

as for your conundrum…weather it’s cg or programming at the end of the day it’s just going to be…work and i you want to make money then you’ll have to be a cog in the wheel for some time
at least. :shrug:.
It helps if your obsessive with your work though,then it’s not such a chore.I think most of the posters in the w.i.p forums are working professionals who had to make the same descisions as you and thats why places like cgtalk exhist…your own show,your deadlines,ure the boss…give vent to those creative surges here.

You have a head start with your technical aptitude so what r you worrying about…USE it with mel.samadan’s got good tips there.

knock yer self out :wink:

b

#5

Re: Boomji.

David Gould? This is a job for Amazon.com!

Cheers!:beer:

#6

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