Gamedevelopers

[3:35 pm] :: Software Developer? - jediboy

Author: jediboy
Posted: 3:35 pm
Topic Replies: 5

Study software engineering. 4 years comp sci. take graphics and math papers.
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-B

[11:29 am] :: internships in ireland - duggan

Author: duggan
Subject: internships in ireland
Posted: 11:29 am
Topic Replies: 0

Hey all again
I was just wondering if theres any companies that do internships in ireland but mainly in Cork?

Thanks

[2:28 pm] :: Software Developer? - duggan

Author: duggan
Posted: 2:28 pm
Topic Replies: 5

Thanks alot ive already done afew C++ programmes but nothing to do with games yet apart from level design on TrialsHD. By the way do you get the chance to do a small bit of games programming in software development courses during college or would you have to do it mainly during your pair time? Sorry for all the question.

Thanks

[11:59 am] :: Software Developer? - overtone

Author: overtone
Posted: 11:59 am
Topic Replies: 5

duggan wrote:

Thanks alot for that. Would software dev differ from games programming or are they similar?

The base technologies are the same.

But the mindset is very different and to be honest, Games programming is a lot harder as its unforgiving.

EXAMPLE 1:
Say for example we take 2 programs. Your web browser and Kung fu rag dolls (a psn mini game). When your using them, think of the differences even though their both likely written in C++.

When you click in your web browser, some processing goes on. Images are loaded. Text is written and depending on your internet connection, your waiting about 2-3 seconds.

Now consider games. Can you imagine a game where you had to wait 2-3 seconds for a player to switch positions? or a new character be loaded in?
This is probably a bad example due to the vast differences between http and tcp/udp (you don't need to know what they mean).

EXAMPLE 2:

Bugs. Think of how often a browser crashes when you do something odd. Flash player drops out, text goes all weird or the dreaded message "Program is not responding"
You just restart the program. Inconvinient but no biggy right?

If in game even a single crash, freeze or bug pops up. Your gamers are NOT going to be happy. And you be sure they'll never buy another game again (excluding Bethesda because they actually leave in the funny bugs)

So as you can see, games programming is pretty unforgiving. But trust me its a lot more fun. Its much more rewarding to get the nasty blood physics just right than it is to have a jpg load 25% faster on a webpage.

There are plenty of books and such out there that "might" do you some good but I'm skeptical of them all because they are just so diverse and some of the code is just plain old.

If you need to make a plan then try this. Think of the biggest baddest game you've ever wanted to make (everyone has a dream game). Now throw it away and go make Pong.
No seriously. Once your comfortable enough with a language, go make pong, then space invaders then pacman and so on.

You'll learn something new every time and build up a nice portfolio to help you later on.

And like I said. If all else fails and your not good enough to make games, there is a shortage of good developers in Ireland and has been for the past while. Your gonna get a shot of business stuff shoved down your throat in any college (even CS courses) so its nice to have a fall back. Make game programming your hobby before you try make it a job.

And finally, Good luck.

[11:19 am] :: Software Developer? - duggan

Author: duggan
Posted: 11:19 am
Topic Replies: 5

Thanks alot for that. Would software dev differ from games programming or are they similar?

[9:34 pm] :: Software Developer? - overtone

Author: overtone
Posted: 9:34 pm
Topic Replies: 5

Hey dude.

I'm a final year student at IT Tallaght. Having nearly finished my degree I think I can safely say that if you maintain a high enough level in software development, you'll be able to make a halfway decent games programmer.

And you'll also have something to fall back on (regular developer) if things don't go too smooth. I've heard good things about Cork IT if its any use. I still think Sligo is the best I've heard.

Any other questions?

[8:08 pm] :: Hello All! - Noely

Author: Noely
Subject: Hi!!
Posted: 8:08 pm
Topic Replies: 4

Hi Basil,

Nice work dude. Im also trying to get to know a few artists here on game dev. Really wanna get into something by the time college is over in april. Im doing some stuff for someone here already and its just to get as much work done as possible for portfolio purposes. Anyway heres a link to my current portfolio if anyone cares to see it.
http://noeleonl.daportfolio.com/

As i said trying to network with other artists so we can get a meeting together anytime in the future. It would be good for us.

Thanks and be good!

Noely

[7:19 pm] :: Hello All! - FireWaterSun

Author: FireWaterSun
Posted: 7:19 pm
Topic Replies: 4

Hey, thanks a million guys!

RedXIV, it just takes practice! Unfortunately many of the books and tutorials are not designed to give a full step by step help, so you have to go off and get your own Photoshop/basic art training, which can be annoying as you can get sidetracked easily.

The imagineFX magazines are OK, but their books are really good.

Richard, I've got a few focalpoint books on Zbrush and some Gnomon Zbrush DVDs, I'll look through them alright!
_________________
Game Art:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/firewatersun/

Game Blog:
http://amateurplaytest.blogspot.com

[5:29 pm] :: developing a game - Richard Sneyd

Author: Richard Sneyd
Posted: 5:29 pm
Topic Replies: 1

Hi Pete,

Sounds good. My advice, especially when starting out, is not to be overly precious about your ideas; it's good to get input from whatever sources you can, even if it includes points of criticism. Maybe post some pics of the game, give us a synopsis of the games theme and core mechanics. I'm sure people will be more than willing to offer useful critiques. Plus, it's a way of gaining exposure and support for any future release of the game that may come along, which is a very good thing.
_________________
http://www.clanecollege.com/cc/index.php/game-design-intro
http://www.clanecollege.com/cc/index.php/full-time-game-design-course

[5:21 pm] :: Hello All! - Richard Sneyd

Author: Richard Sneyd
Posted: 5:21 pm
Topic Replies: 4

Beautiful work Basil, you have a talent for that. As far as developing your 3D skills goes, I can't recommend the Gnomon Workshop and 3D Buzz tuts highly enough. Gnomon are especially good at teaching ZBrush.
_________________
http://www.clanecollege.com/cc/index.php/game-design-intro
http://www.clanecollege.com/cc/index.php/full-time-game-design-course

[5:09 pm] :: developing a game - pete2012

Author: pete2012
Subject: developing a game
Posted: 5:09 pm
Topic Replies: 1

Hi,
I'm a qualified architect and I've recently completed a computer gaming course (it was brief but gave me an insight into gaming and flash). I've developed up a design for a new game in the last month and have worked most of it up in illustrator for now. I'm now looking for people to help me develop these ideas into a finished game. I think the concept is very strong and it could work very well. I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in meeting up sometime and run through the game. Otherwise I'd appreciate any advise as I've little experience in programming.
Thanks,
Pete

[3:55 pm] :: Hello All! - RedXIV

Author: RedXIV
Posted: 3:55 pm
Topic Replies: 4

Just want to say those illustrations are amazing! Jesus I wish I could draw.

[3:35 pm] :: Hello All! - FireWaterSun

Author: FireWaterSun
Subject: Hello All!
Posted: 3:35 pm
Topic Replies: 4

Hi everyone, just posting up because I've been a bit of a stalker on the forums without saying much really.

I'm Basil IRL, have met a good few of ya already at gamejams and drinks nights etc.

I'm the artist/animator at bitSmith http://www.bitsmithgames.com/ working on K�, our first project ( PLUG ALERT here: http://www.fundit.ie/project/k---episode-1 )

And here's some of my work done in my own time: http://www.firewatersun.com/

a couple of samples:

I'm trying to build my 3D modelling experience for now while keeping up the illustration work - still a long way to go as I've only been at it for a year-ish. Would love to meet / chat with any other 3D/2D artists or illustrators to swap notes etc.

Hope to meet all you gamedev guys at the Games Ireland Gathering or the GameCraft Game Jam later this month![/quote]
_________________
Game Art:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/firewatersun/

Game Blog:
http://amateurplaytest.blogspot.com

[3:25 pm] :: bitSmith's fundit campaign - FireWaterSun

Author: FireWaterSun
Posted: 3:25 pm
Topic Replies: 10

Absolutely, I'll be taking snaps wherever I can
_________________
Game Art:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/firewatersun/

Game Blog:
http://amateurplaytest.blogspot.com

[2:58 pm] :: Software Developer? - duggan

Author: duggan
Subject: Software Developer?
Posted: 2:58 pm
Topic Replies: 5

Hi all!
Im interested in perusing a career in games programming and i was just wondering if doing a software development course would be a good course to if i want to be a games programmer? By the way i would do a games design course but theres no level 8 games courses in Cork

Thanks