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What should I know or be prepared for, when going into the gaming/computer science industry?
Bullet points would be preferred!
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2 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Here are step-by-step guidelines to help you develop the hard and soft skills needed for a successful career as a professional game developer or in computer science
1. Technical Skills
• Programming Languages: C++, C#, Python, Java
• Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot
• Computer Science Fundamentals:
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Object-oriented programming
- Design patterns
• Graphics & Rendering: Understand 3D graphics concepts, Shaders, Physics simulations, Real-time rendering
• AI & Machine Learning: AI in games (pathfinding, decision-making) and knowledge in reinforcement learning basics
• Networking & Backend: Server architecture, Cloud services, Database management for multiplayer games
• Optimization & Performance: Profiling, memory management, efficient coding practices
2. Software Development tools
• Version Control: Git , GitHub, GitLab
• Agile & Scrum: Know how studios use agile methodologies
• Unit Testing & Debugging: Unit testing, debugging, and test-driven development
3. Portfolio & Projects
• Build a portfolio showcasing personal projects, game mods, or contributions to open-source projects
• Create playable game demos to demonstrate practical abilities
• Gain experience through internships, hackathons, or coding competitions
4. Industry Awareness
• Stay updated on VR/AR, cloud gaming, AI in games, and emerging graphics technologies
• Understand platform differences: PC, console, and mobile development
• Learn about game monetization, in-game economies, and player engagement
5. Soft Skills
• Collaboration and Communication
• Problem-Solving and Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and time management
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn
6. Virtual Platforms for Hands-On Experience
• Interactive Coding Platforms: Codecademy, Exercism, LeetCode, HackerRank for coding and algorithm practice
• Game Development Platforms: Unity Learn, Unreal Online Learning, project-based bootcamps for real game creation
• Project & Collaboration Tools: GitHub for open-source contributions and collaborative projects
• Hackathons & Competitions: Time-limited events to solve real-world problems and build teamwork skills
• Virtual 3D/VR Platforms: Tools and environments for experimenting with interactive design and simulation
7. Career Path Insights
• Identify your path — Determine if you want to be a game programmer, graphics engineer, AI developer, software engineer, etc.
• Network through conferences, forums, and meetups
• Prepare for resumes, interviews, and technical assessments
• Continuously learn new engines, frameworks, and programming techniques
1. Technical Skills
• Programming Languages: C++, C#, Python, Java
• Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot
• Computer Science Fundamentals:
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Object-oriented programming
- Design patterns
• Graphics & Rendering: Understand 3D graphics concepts, Shaders, Physics simulations, Real-time rendering
• AI & Machine Learning: AI in games (pathfinding, decision-making) and knowledge in reinforcement learning basics
• Networking & Backend: Server architecture, Cloud services, Database management for multiplayer games
• Optimization & Performance: Profiling, memory management, efficient coding practices
2. Software Development tools
• Version Control: Git , GitHub, GitLab
• Agile & Scrum: Know how studios use agile methodologies
• Unit Testing & Debugging: Unit testing, debugging, and test-driven development
3. Portfolio & Projects
• Build a portfolio showcasing personal projects, game mods, or contributions to open-source projects
• Create playable game demos to demonstrate practical abilities
• Gain experience through internships, hackathons, or coding competitions
4. Industry Awareness
• Stay updated on VR/AR, cloud gaming, AI in games, and emerging graphics technologies
• Understand platform differences: PC, console, and mobile development
• Learn about game monetization, in-game economies, and player engagement
5. Soft Skills
• Collaboration and Communication
• Problem-Solving and Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and time management
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn
6. Virtual Platforms for Hands-On Experience
• Interactive Coding Platforms: Codecademy, Exercism, LeetCode, HackerRank for coding and algorithm practice
• Game Development Platforms: Unity Learn, Unreal Online Learning, project-based bootcamps for real game creation
• Project & Collaboration Tools: GitHub for open-source contributions and collaborative projects
• Hackathons & Competitions: Time-limited events to solve real-world problems and build teamwork skills
• Virtual 3D/VR Platforms: Tools and environments for experimenting with interactive design and simulation
7. Career Path Insights
• Identify your path — Determine if you want to be a game programmer, graphics engineer, AI developer, software engineer, etc.
• Network through conferences, forums, and meetups
• Prepare for resumes, interviews, and technical assessments
• Continuously learn new engines, frameworks, and programming techniques
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I never thought I would be a computer science major. If you were to ask me what I would be when I was younger I was sure it would be something in music, but 12 years removed from graduating with a computer science degree, I can tell you it was the best decision I could have made for a fun & fascinating career. I want to caveat it though, it is also not what I expected it to be.
Not to speak for everyone, but when I envisioned a Computer Science degree when I was younger, I envisioned someone coding in a dark corner, not really socializing with folks, being socially awkward...a lot of the cliques of 90's pop culture. To be honest though, I have found the most important skill you can refine when entering the tech world (or really any world you may explore in your studies), is your ability to communicate clearly & connect with people.
Computer Science will teach you how to think logically & how to critically analyze difficult problems to solve them with unique solutions. It’s fascinating to build something from a few lines of code that is entirely your own. You will develop a way of thinking where no problem is too great — which is an important and powerful skill. That will get you a job. But a career will come from your connections, your ability to lead, your ability to communicate solutions, and your ability to keep learning as the industry changes.
Now, specifically for gaming: it’s an industry that’s both incredibly creative and incredibly technical. You’ll be working with artists, designers, animators, producers, QA, and other engineers — all trying to ship something fun, stable, and on time. That means your work won’t just be “writing code.” It’ll be collaborating, iterating, receiving feedback, debugging messy issues, and making tradeoffs constantly (performance vs. visuals, speed vs. quality, “cool” vs. feasible).
It’s also worth knowing that the “dream job” side of gaming can come with real pressures. Deadlines, changing scopes, late pivots, and periods of intense work can happen — especially around releases. Not every studio is the same, but it’s smart to go in with eyes open and learn how to protect your energy, your time, and your long-term growth.
The good news: if you build strong fundamentals, learn how to work well with others, and keep making projects, you’ll be in a great position. People who can ship, communicate, and improve quickly become the people teams rely on.
What to know / be prepared for (gaming + computer science)
* Your soft skills matter as much as your technical skills. Communication, teamwork, and clarity make you stand out fast.
* You will constantly be learning. Tools, engines, languages, and best practices evolve nonstop.
* Most work is collaboration + iteration. Expect feedback, changes, and many versions before something is “done.”
* Debugging is a major part of the job. You’ll spend a lot of time finding the real root cause, not just coding new features.
* Performance matters (especially in games). Frame rate, memory, loading times, and optimization can be core to your role.
* Tradeoffs are everywhere. You rarely get perfect solutions — you choose the best option given time, scope, and constraints.
* Deadlines can be intense. Some teams have crunch, some don’t — but release cycles often bring pressure.
* Your portfolio can matter more than your resume. A playable prototype or shipped project speaks loudly.
* Feedback can feel personal — but it isn’t. You’ll build thicker skin and learn to separate your identity from your work.
* The industry has many paths. Gameplay, engine/tools, graphics, networking, AI, UI, backend, devops, QA automation, technical art, etc.
Suggestions:
* Build small projects and actually finish them. “Shipped” beats “perfect.”
* Make a portfolio GitHub + short demo reel (even 60–90 seconds). Show what you built and what you contributed.
* Learn the fundamentals deeply: data structures, algorithms, OOP, debugging, and basic systems thinking.
* Get comfortable with one game engine (Unity or Unreal) OR one graphics path (OpenGL/Vulkan basics).
* Practice explaining your work out loud. Pretend you’re pitching your project to a non-technical person.
* Work with others at least once. A team project teaches version control, collaboration, scope, and communication.
* Ask for code reviews early. It accelerates your learning more than working alone.
* Network in a genuine way. Join game jams, Discord communities, campus clubs, meetups, and talk to people.
* When interviewing, focus on problem-solving process — not just the answer. Talk through your reasoning clearly.
* Choose environments that help you grow. Look for mentors, supportive teams, and places that value learning.
Not to speak for everyone, but when I envisioned a Computer Science degree when I was younger, I envisioned someone coding in a dark corner, not really socializing with folks, being socially awkward...a lot of the cliques of 90's pop culture. To be honest though, I have found the most important skill you can refine when entering the tech world (or really any world you may explore in your studies), is your ability to communicate clearly & connect with people.
Computer Science will teach you how to think logically & how to critically analyze difficult problems to solve them with unique solutions. It’s fascinating to build something from a few lines of code that is entirely your own. You will develop a way of thinking where no problem is too great — which is an important and powerful skill. That will get you a job. But a career will come from your connections, your ability to lead, your ability to communicate solutions, and your ability to keep learning as the industry changes.
Now, specifically for gaming: it’s an industry that’s both incredibly creative and incredibly technical. You’ll be working with artists, designers, animators, producers, QA, and other engineers — all trying to ship something fun, stable, and on time. That means your work won’t just be “writing code.” It’ll be collaborating, iterating, receiving feedback, debugging messy issues, and making tradeoffs constantly (performance vs. visuals, speed vs. quality, “cool” vs. feasible).
It’s also worth knowing that the “dream job” side of gaming can come with real pressures. Deadlines, changing scopes, late pivots, and periods of intense work can happen — especially around releases. Not every studio is the same, but it’s smart to go in with eyes open and learn how to protect your energy, your time, and your long-term growth.
The good news: if you build strong fundamentals, learn how to work well with others, and keep making projects, you’ll be in a great position. People who can ship, communicate, and improve quickly become the people teams rely on.
What to know / be prepared for (gaming + computer science)
* Your soft skills matter as much as your technical skills. Communication, teamwork, and clarity make you stand out fast.
* You will constantly be learning. Tools, engines, languages, and best practices evolve nonstop.
* Most work is collaboration + iteration. Expect feedback, changes, and many versions before something is “done.”
* Debugging is a major part of the job. You’ll spend a lot of time finding the real root cause, not just coding new features.
* Performance matters (especially in games). Frame rate, memory, loading times, and optimization can be core to your role.
* Tradeoffs are everywhere. You rarely get perfect solutions — you choose the best option given time, scope, and constraints.
* Deadlines can be intense. Some teams have crunch, some don’t — but release cycles often bring pressure.
* Your portfolio can matter more than your resume. A playable prototype or shipped project speaks loudly.
* Feedback can feel personal — but it isn’t. You’ll build thicker skin and learn to separate your identity from your work.
* The industry has many paths. Gameplay, engine/tools, graphics, networking, AI, UI, backend, devops, QA automation, technical art, etc.
Suggestions:
* Build small projects and actually finish them. “Shipped” beats “perfect.”
* Make a portfolio GitHub + short demo reel (even 60–90 seconds). Show what you built and what you contributed.
* Learn the fundamentals deeply: data structures, algorithms, OOP, debugging, and basic systems thinking.
* Get comfortable with one game engine (Unity or Unreal) OR one graphics path (OpenGL/Vulkan basics).
* Practice explaining your work out loud. Pretend you’re pitching your project to a non-technical person.
* Work with others at least once. A team project teaches version control, collaboration, scope, and communication.
* Ask for code reviews early. It accelerates your learning more than working alone.
* Network in a genuine way. Join game jams, Discord communities, campus clubs, meetups, and talk to people.
* When interviewing, focus on problem-solving process — not just the answer. Talk through your reasoning clearly.
* Choose environments that help you grow. Look for mentors, supportive teams, and places that value learning.