In the following interview, Michael Dickheiser, programmer, technical leader, and technical consultant with 18 years of experience in the computer game and defense industries, provides some insight with a more realistic approach.
Dickheiser has worked with several game development companies in the past, such as Red Storm Entertainment and id Software and has worked on games spanning various platforms, such as fo PC, Xbox, PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360. Currently, he is involved in developing mobile games for Google Play and iTunes.
With an already extremely diverse track record, Dickheiser has some more down-to-earth thoughts to share about both the wonderful and difficult aspects of a career in game development.
Q: How did you get interested in game development?
Q: Any advice on how to start?
For a programming career, a love of math and obviously programming is the first step. A degree in Computer Science, or Computer Game Programming is a big help, but ultimately you simply need to demonstrate an ability to write code appropriate for a computer game. This can be accomplished by working on side projects (create your own game), school projects, or by participating in game community events such as Epic Game’s “Make Something Unreal” contest, in which winning projects are highly publicized and sometimes lead to employment offers.
Epic Games has also released the What is Unreal Engine, a game development kit, for free access.
Q: So how has your experience with the industry been?
For a game art career, similar advice applies, but with emphasis on 2D and 3D artwork. Prospective game artists should build a portfolio that they can display on their own webpage, making it easy for hiring managers at game companies to review their talent.
For a game designer, increasingly there are design programs (Full Sail, SMU Guildhall) that offer degrees in this area, but all hopefuls must be excellent writers, communicators, and have a solid working knowledge of game design. Frequently, game designers get their foot in the door first as game testers. Or they start as programmers or artists first and then change their focus later.
In all cases, a person hoping to enter professional game development should play games, understand good design, compelling art, and winning technology, and be prepared to speak about these in an interview while expressing their own ideas for their chosen discipline.
Q: Any downsides?
Q: Can you tell us about what you’re working on right now?
For those interested in game development focused programming and would like more information, Dickheiser has published more than one textbook on the subject such as C++ For Game Programmers, and Game Programming Gems 6 (Book & CD-ROM).
Many thanks to Michael Dickheiser for his advice and encouragement, and the best of luck to him on all of his future projects.
