Job: Game Programmer

Do you guys use Unity?

No, we don't use anything along those lines.

Hi there,

I am currently in year 12 and throwing up career choices. I have been creating computer games from some extent since I was around 12/13 years old. Recently I have taken to learn C++ with some open-source libraries and could really see my self doing this as a job.

After doing some research I have found a lot of facts, most of them contradictory so from someone within the industry I would like to know what are my chances making it as a games programmer? I read that there are currently around 14,000 employees in the industry with 1,000+ graduates per year in game-related courses. Does this clog up the industry?

I also hear of low salaries and long hours worked like dogs. What are the facts on this?

I have the potential to work for amazing salaries although the money would be my main motivation as these kinds of jobs are usually dead boring such as statistics. I would rather love the work I do.

I would appreciated any insight you can provide.

Hi Andrew, most people who work in the games industry do so because they are incredibly passionate about it and can't imagine anything they would rather do than make games. It is extremely competitive to get in and there are many smart and talented people competing for jobs, but there are definitely studios (like us) who love hiring juniors/graduates. I can't speak for other studios, for us it's true that sometimes people work long hours, but this is usually a short span of "crunch time" (for example we all worked really hard on Real Racing HD and Flight Control HD before the iPad came out, but it was worth it to see the end result!). It's certainly not an everyday occurrence, I guess it's similar to cramming before exams - it doesn't always happen and when it does, it's for a special occasion. If you are already making games in your spare time then you will know whether you love it enough to give up a higher-paying job in statistics! There are a variety of jobs that pay higher salaries on average, but as you say they tend to be far less interesting, challenging and rewarding than making games. If you are looking for facts and numbers, the GDAA is in a better position than individual studios to provide that sort of information: http://gdaa.com.au. Hope this helps!

Hello,

I am interested in this this company and I would like to apply for this position. I have experience in programming, from application to web and games, and I am working as QA Tester since last year.
Should I apply?

Thanks

Hi Alberto, if you think you meet the requirements of the position then please apply via the form (link above).

Are you guys still looking for programmers of a junior capacity?

Hi Simon, yes, we're always interested in hearing from talented graduates and juniors! Please apply via the link above; we also keep all applications on file for future reference.

I'ld also like to add that I've been credited in two published Nintendo DSi titles and one upcoming Nintendo Wii title.

Hi
I am interested in applying for a Programmer position at Firemint. I am not resident in Australia and would require a visa. I read on your web site that overseas applicants with 5 years of game experience can apply. I have 2.5 years of game industry experience but my overall programming experience is around 8+ years. I would like to know if you can consider my application? Thanks.