Breaking into the game industry?

    I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

   Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

before the suggestions come flooding in just think a minute.. you're not the only 14 year old who wants to work with video games for a living, there's millions of them.. just saying...nickmag

I understand, but that what I want to do nonetheless. 

[QUOTE="nickmag"]before the suggestions come flooding in just think a minute.. you're not the only 14 year old who wants to work with video games for a living, there's millions of them.. just saying...Choga

I understand, but that what I want to do nonetheless.

[QUOTE="Choga"]

[QUOTE="nickmag"]before the suggestions come flooding in just think a minute.. you're not the only 14 year old who wants to work with video games for a living, there's millions of them.. just saying...nickmag

I understand, but that what I want to do nonetheless.

My backup will be opening a comic store ;) 

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

[QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Darthmatt

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this? 

[QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

[QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Darthmatt

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

What if I'm not that good of a drawer? 

[QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Darthmatt

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

[QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

What if I'm not that good of a drawer?

[QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

zero9167

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

I have some knowledge of QBASIC, but thats about it. Eventually I want to be a creative director or designer.  

[QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"][QUOTE="Choga"]

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Darthmatt

Are there any programs (in your knowledge) that offer internships to teenagers so we could get a head start in this?

What if I'm not that good of a drawer?

Well I mean I always draw ficticious characters on paper. Im going to download Gmax like you said and give it a whirl. 

Make your self get noticed, make a very good mod for a game and then make a site for your self. Guiltfeeder566

before the suggestions come flooding in just think a minute.. you're not the only 14 year old who wants to work with video games for a living, there's millions of them.. just saying...nickmag

    I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

   Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

Start geting into programing. My cousin was in programing and now he has an internship to EA games. So work hard and learn how to type and program.(not just playing them)

before the suggestions come flooding in just think a minute.. you're not the only 14 year old who wants to work with video games for a living, there's millions of them.. just saying...nickmag

    I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

   Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

Start geting into programing. My cousin was in programing and now he has an internship to EA games. So work hard and learn how to type and program.(not just playing them)

What part of game design do you want to be a part of?  There is Game mechanics, visual arts, programming, audio, etc.  It will help a lot to figure out what you want to do.

What part of game design do you want to be a part of? There is Game mechanics, visual arts, programming, audio, etc. It will help a lot to figure out what you want to do.

dahwnpapaya

Well, character design is pretty attractive to me, as is game mechanics. Programming seems fun, but I dont know if Im smart enough in math to be able to become a programmer. 

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized 

That is the site where I learned the basics. 

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Darthmatt

Thanks for all the links and help, but you said you get paid to do all this stuff? Are you in the gaming industry? 

If you help make a horrible game I know who is to blame, good luck :)Flow4U

:lol: 

[QUOTE="Darthmatt"]

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Choga

Thanks for all the links and help, but you said you get paid to do all this stuff? Are you in the gaming industry?

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Darthmatt

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Darthmatt

Found the 30 day trial: http://www.soft32.com/Download/free-trial/Autodesk_3D_Studio_3ds_Max/4-81704-1.html

But I warn you, its a good 590MB :shock:

[QUOTE="Darthmatt"]

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Ezgam3r

Found the 30 day trial: http://www.soft32.com/Download/free-trial/Autodesk_3D_Studio_3ds_Max/4-81704-1.html

But I warn you, its a good 590MB :shock:

Its ok, Im (legally) downloading the full version of 3DS Max right now. 

I've been playing games all of my life, and today I visited my cousin's office in Manhattan (shes an architect). Now, I know architecture has nothing to do with video games, but the office environment, all the models and drawings lying around, I could easily imagine a bunch of game devs working on games in there. I am only 14 years old, but when I am an adult I want to work in the gaming industry.

 

Might any of you know how exactly one would break into the gaming industry? Is there a specific road one must take (college courses, etc) to be able to be a part of the induestry? Is there a way for a teenager to get internships at game companies? All replies are appreciated.

Choga

I am in no way trying to destroy your dream, but I thought I'd shed light on the matter from a different angle. My house mate recently started his degree in Games Development. His reason behind doing the course? He loves games. He's just about finished his first year, and he's decided to drop out. I'm not saying it'll be the same for you, or anyone else that follows this path, but he soon relised the difference between the love for playing games, and the love for developing games.

[QUOTE="dahwnpapaya"]

What part of game design do you want to be a part of? There is Game mechanics, visual arts, programming, audio, etc. It will help a lot to figure out what you want to do.

Choga

Well, character design is pretty attractive to me, as is game mechanics. Programming seems fun, but I dont know if Im smart enough in math to be able to become a programmer. 

Right now I'm in a Digital Media Arts course,  It doesn't just deal with games though.  It has everything from 2-D animation, 3-D animation, Graphic design, Digital photography, Digital Imaging, Game design, etc.  But I'm not really sure what I want to get into.  I know someone who finished the program got a job working for Konami, so hepefully I can get a job somewhere after I finish.  Sorry got off topic but anyway just try and research what you want to do and then you can figure out what you need to do to reach your goal.  Taking art classes would help a lot also.

[QUOTE="Ezgam3r"][QUOTE="Darthmatt"]

Give Gmax a try. You cant render from it, but its a great way to learn the interface and some basic components of 3D work. You should use it enough to get the basics. Also look into Maya. Its a 3D program used more on the modeling side, but I dont know if there is a free version. Never doubt the things you can teach yourself. I taught myself 3Dstudiomax and now I get payed to make stuff like this. Link

Try using this site : tutorialized

That is the site where I learned the basics.

Choga

Found the 30 day trial: http://www.soft32.com/Download/free-trial/Autodesk_3D_Studio_3ds_Max/4-81704-1.html

But I warn you, its a good 590MB :shock:

Its ok, Im (legally) downloading the full version of 3DS Max right now.

You are? Can I have the link? 

[QUOTE="Choga"][QUOTE="dahwnpapaya"]

What part of game design do you want to be a part of? There is Game mechanics, visual arts, programming, audio, etc. It will help a lot to figure out what you want to do.

dahwnpapaya

Well, character design is pretty attractive to me, as is game mechanics. Programming seems fun, but I dont know if Im smart enough in math to be able to become a programmer.

Right now I'm in a Digital Media Arts course, It doesn't just deal with games though. It has everything from 2-D animation, 3-D animation, Graphic design, Digital photography, Digital Imaging, Game design, etc. But I'm not really sure what I want to get into. I know someone who finished the program got a job working for Konami, so hepefully I can get a job somewhere after I finish. Sorry got off topic but anyway just try and research what you want to do and then you can figure out what you need to do.

Get on a mod team and actually make something. In the end, that's what matters most. A solid education is very important, no doubt, but the best education in the workd is not worth real world experience.

Also, many people get in the industry by starting in QA (testing). It's not the most glamorous job, but it lets you get your foot in the door. 

Get on a mod team and actually make something. In the end, that's what matters most. A solid education is very important, no doubt, but the best education in the workd is not worth real world experience.

Also, many people get in the industry by starting in QA (testing). It's not the most glamorous job, but it lets you get your foot in the door.

Adam_B

Is there an age minimum to be in QA?