What is the best way to get a game programming job?

I just graduated from College with a Comp Sci. Degree I have toyed around with Ogre 3D, and programmed some other smaller oldschool games using C++. I am currently looking at obtaining Torque and creating some small demos. Is this the best route to get hired or are there others ways to get noticed and get an interview?

What is the best way to get a game programming job?
To get a job as a game programmer, all you need is a Computer Science degree and a resume. Creating a mod or an independent game can be helpful towards making your resume stand out, but it is definitely not necessary. You can work on projects such as those while you start looking for full-time work, but you should start looking now, rather than putting it off in favor of mod/indie projects.





One of the best places to look through job postings is Gamasutra.com (it requires registration, but you should be registered if you want to be in the game industry, anyway). Another way is to look at the Jobs/Employment/Careers section of the webpages of game studios in your area, and in areas you would be ok moving to. Check out the webpages for your favorite developers as well. Some game studios will pay relocation for an entry-level programmer, others will not, so close to home is your best bet. There is a map here: http://gamedevmap.com/ that lists every game studio by city, with links to the webpage of each studio.





Apply for any job for which you meet at least 90% of the stated Requirements. If a job requires a shipped title, don't apply unless you fit every other requirement to a T (and even then it will be a very long shot). Pay close attention to the requirements, and to how the company wants you to send in your resume, cover letter, and code samples. Failing to follow instructions on resume submittal is one of the best ways to get your resume thrown in the trash.





If you have trouble finding a job as a programmer, you might want to look into Quality Assurance positions. These typically require no experience or particular education, but will let you get your foot in the door. Once you work at the company, you will hear about job positions that are never posted publicly, and you will get to work directly with the programming team, which will increase your chances of being able to move onto the team eventually.





Good luck!
Reply:I was going to say, #1 get a degree in computer science. Ogre is a great engine too, expect commercial engines to resemble it.





It sounds like you have a good foundation to get into the industry, I would recommend going to http://www.gamasutra.com or http://www.gamedev.net and start sending out resumes to companies looking to hire someone at your skill level. Also, don't neglect researching companies you like and just cold calling or sending resumes to them in order to get a job. Put yourself out there to get a job, as far as I know no one ever got hired working on hobby projects, but they can make excellent demonstrations for a portfolio.
Reply:Look at the courses started by Dr. Randal Pausch at Carnegie Mellon. They have a worldwide recognition. Heard of Alice? It came from that course.





Otherwise, just look at the games that are available on Debian or Ubuntu. Most come with sources freely available. Start contributing your code to them in tiny ways. Grow up in that. Your name will spread with every successful tiny contribution you make.
Reply:Design some levels with a level editor supplied with some games and submit them, that is how many people have gotten jobs in the field.





Here is a job faq from Blizzard: http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/faq.shtml
Reply:Making a great mod has landed some modders jobs for sure. It'll definitely get ye noticed!
Reply:you are on the right track... get a college buddy that majored in music, another that majored in art, another that did webdesign and get together and create a little game... that way each of you will have your name in the credits... give the game away for free to get your name out and off you go... plus you'll have some good contacts in the future





good luck