ajith asks “I’m a flash game developer. I wish to move in to real gaming preferably AI. Can you please help me; how I can start a career in this?”
1) Master C++
It’s arguable whether anybody can fully grasp C++, but if you want to get into the “real” games industry you’ll need it to be your second language. I mention this first in the list because game studios consider hiring most C++ veterans — regardless of their backgrounds. (It takes many different skills to build a AAA game engine these days.)
Make sure you know the basics of low-level C.
Learn to apply design patterns to C++.
Use them efficiently using modern generic programming.
2) Make Games!
It helps to get into industry if you actually make games on your own; they don’t have to be published by EA, but it’ll give you the experience you need.
Write a simple 2D game yourself, using only a low-level library like the SDL.
Try to build simple games for paying clients via RentACoder.
3) Study AI
You don’t have to go to college to learn AI, but it can be useful if you do the other things on the list at the same time.
Study AI heavily, get the academic books.
4) Specialize
These days, it takes large teams of multi-talented people to build a game. The secret to get inside the industry is to specialize in a field. AI is already specific, but if you become an expert on a topic it’ll be easier to find work.
Make technological prototypes of interesting AI problems, like hierarchical planners.
Implement some advanced algorithms like Anytime D* or RPROP.
5) Network
Ultimately though, it helps if you have contacts to get into the industry. You’ll have to work hard to build those once your portfolio is in place.
Hang out on international game developer forums, find national ones if possible.
Go to local game developer conferences.
Write articles about your coolest demos, and publicize them.
Apply for jobs directly if possible, or via agencies.
Do you have any advice to start a career in game AI programming?
