Advice for a beginner, where to start?

[chosenOne]

Hey guys, im a third year software engineering student who is keen to get into the gaming industry let it be either with 3D Modelling or programming. I already have a graphic design background so im keen to get some extra programming skills which would increase my appeal to the employee.
I know i have a long way to go but im a patient person. I 'have an extensive background in Java programming and object oriented methodologies but also understand c++. So I do know how to program but rather do not know where to start to get to the job i want.

If those in the industry or with expirience could possibly lead me in the right direction would be muchly appreciated.

Thanks

[Rigel]

I'd say if your focus is on creating 3D games for the PC, start looking into or take a course in OpenGL or DirectX. OpenGL and DirectX both are 3D graphics libraries. Definitely try to enhance your skills in C++.

As far as getting a job in the gaming industry... don't know much about that.

Just my 2 cents, others will know a lot more.

[Idmir]

there are a lot of books on DX and openGL. if you don't want to take a class then try getting a book on one of those and work your way through it. I am in the process of doing that right now

[indiocolifa]

I like OpenGL because it's portable and very easy to learn.

DirectX is a mess for my taste, but this doesn't means that it's not powerful. Indeed, it's a very good 3D API which support the latest gfx technologies.

[Marc G]

I like OpenGL because it's portable and very easy to learn.

DirectX is a mess for my taste, but this doesn't means that it's not powerful. Indeed, it's a very good 3D API which support the latest gfx technologies.
I totally disagree!

When was the last time you used DirectX? What version?
I admit that version 3 and 4 of DX were really a mess compared to the OpenGL of that time, BUT DX has evolved dramatically while OpenGL hasn't evolved a lot. Most addition to OpenGL are in the form of some bizarre "extensions" (stuff like ARB_..., NV_..., ...) and ofcourse every graphics card maker has there own set of extensions. On the contrary, it's much more easy to use new graphics card features with the latest versions of DX than it is to use those features in OpenGL. Also, graphics card manufactures first write their DX drivers and give more priority to the DX drivers, except for NVidia whose OpenGL drivers are very good but unfortunately this is not always the case with the OpenGL drivers of ATI.

Of course, if portability is important for you, you have no choice and you have to use OpenGL.

[indiocolifa]

Yes, I must admit that using extensions in OpenGL is like returning to the stone age. May be I feel more comfortable with OpenGL ... I'll try DirectX with C#and I'll see.

[Marc G]

Yes, I must admit that using extensions in OpenGL is like returning to the stone age.
Nicely said :)

[Ejaz]

So I do know how to program but rather do not know where to start to get to the job i want.

Well dude, thats the hard part. As you see, for begin a top notch gaming professional, you are not only required to be a good programmer, but very good in maths, physics, graphics and also have the ability to keep the pace with the latest coming technologies.

After that, you need to have some portfolio. Like, if you create some small sample games or other 3D stuff, which can demonstrate your skills (not only programming, but others that are required to be the part of the gamming industry) and put that at your website or with someway, you can tell others that you have the certain set of specialized skills that gaming industry needs, then I'm sure that you can land with some good oppurtunity, its only a matter of time (or may be luck as well ;) )

As far as OpenGL vs DirectX is concerned, I'm not against OpenGL but my vote is for DirectX. :wave: