Neal I'Anson

I have seen many universities which do pure AI degree's under faculties of
computing, although it would be a good idea to have it alongside computer
studies as this would give you a grounding in all the aspects of computers
and what the AI can be applied to feasibily!
<walsh.alexander@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1129672587.972116.38690@g47g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Hello everyone,
>
> Lately I've suddenly become very interested in becoming a 3D graphics
> programmer for games. Random centainly, but not that irrational, since
> it's a way to combine my love of mathematics with my love of computer
> games. However, there is one question that's been upsetting me and
> preventing me from putting aside everything to make this dream a
> reality. Please answer truthfully...
>
> I've just started a maths degree and so will have 4 (possibly 3) years
> before going into industry. Is that enough time to learn 3D graphics
> programming fully, one of the most challenging areas of games
> programming? My anxiety can be further emphasised by the fact that I
> have done little programming at all, bar the occasional text-based
> mastermind game in Python.
>
> If it is feasible, which I sincerely hope it is, do you have any
> recommendations for how to begin? I was planning to first learn C++
> fully (I've done SOME programming before, so if I concentrate I should
> be okay), then learn OpenGL inside out. Is that a good idea? Should I
> learn DirectX instead? (I'd prefer OpenGL :-) Also, I've heard the best
> way to get into the games industry is by showing off what YOU'VE
> written yourself, but many sites warn not to try anything too complex
> -- and a 3D engine is certainly pretty complex. How big a solo project
> do you think is reasonable? Can you give some examples? (I realize, of
> course, that I'll only be able to start on The Big Project once I've
> done a few Little Projects first.)
>
> If graphics programming is NOT feasible, I'd still like to become some
> form of games programmer. I'd be particularly interested in physics, AI
> or network programming, but will take mostly anything to get my foot in
> the door. Is there any area you'd recommend given my situation?
>
> Let me just say that although I haven't done any serious programming,
> I'm not a complete newb when it comes to computers. I use and tweak
> Linux, and I've done some very basic programming. These are but dust
> compared to the mountain of games programming, I know, but it means
> that I seem to have the right mind for it. I just need to learn. A lot.
>
> Thanks for any replies. I just need some information to get me started.
> Once I've decided on a feasible route I can concentrate on that fully,
> but I don't want to start until I'm certain I won't run out of time.
>
> Alex.
>
> (As a footnote, let me just say that I HAVE read about the "darker"
> side of games programming - long hours, low pay and frequent job
> changes. I think the chance to do one of the most interesting and
> challenging forms of programming is a pretty damn good trade off, even
> though there will undoubtedly be hard times.)
>