Can you work as a game developer/programmer even if you didn't study a career in software engineering?

Do game companies care if you studied a career in software engineering or something similar when applying for a job or is there a way for someone who didn't study this to work there?


If so, what would this person need in order to be considered?

Can you work as a game developer/programmer even if you didn't study a career in software engineering?
It totally depends on what area of game development you want to get into. There are four basic areas of the development team: design, programming, art, and level building, which are supported by production, Quality Assurance, customer service, sound design, marketing, business development, etc. Designers write up the details of every tiny aspect of the game and come up with the math to support it. Programmers take the written details from the designers and implement it using programming languages like C++ and/or in-house tools. Artists create the 3D art, animations, textures, etc for everything in the game. And level builders take assets created by the artists and create the physical layout of the world. Producers manage the entire project and keep everyone on schedule and on budget. Quality Assurance tests the game for bugs, and reports those back to development.





Nearly all game studios will give preference to those with Computer Science/Software Engineering degrees when looking to hire *programmers*. Programmers and ONLY programmers need to know how to program. No one else on the development team needs to know how to program. Likewise, most companies will give preference to those with Fine Arts degrees when hiring artist and level builders. There is no required or typical degree for designers (I've worked with designers with degrees in everything from Biology to Theatre), but you typically have to have worked as a designer to be hired as a designer, or already work for the company looking for a first-time designer.





I would recommend going to Gamasutra.com (you'll have to register, but it's free and you really should register if you want to be in the game industry, anyway) and looking at their job listings. Besides programming, design, art, and level building, every game company needs production, public relations, business development, executive assistance, facilities management, accounting, billing, customer service, etc. My first job in the game industry was in the mail room of a world-famous game studio, and I eventually worked my way up to the design team. If none of the support areas look like they would fit your skills and professional experience, look into Quality Assurance. It typically has the fewest requirements to get the job, you get to work directly with the development team, and there's a lot of room for advancement into development.





Good luck!
Reply:I think they want someone who already has the programming skills. I don't think they care how you got them.
Reply:I worked as a developer for seven years with no formal degree or training. However, I started in an "entry level" phone support position and work my way through the ranks learning software development as I went. It took much longer than it likely would have had I attained my degree first. However, it is not impossible :).





I now manage the IT Department for a container recycling company.
Reply:The big companies welcome software engineers.





EA hires classic comp sci as well as softy eng and hardware eng too. They understand that the skills are transferable and some would consider you more an asset than a regular comp sci major.





You need good programming skills in C++ and experience in vertex programming using OpenGL or DirectX APIs would be an asset.





There is much more to game development than graphics. Networking accross the physical layer is actually better suited for Electrical engineers.
Reply:Skill and ability can be just as important to a game developer as education... what games have you written? do you have a reputation in the gaming industry? what graphic programs can you use?
Reply:Simply put, If you can prove you can do the work they need done, they will hire you.