I Could use some advice.

Briggy

Hey, I'm Matt.
I've got just over a week until I take my exams and finish high school, I'm taking an A level in ICT and would ultimately like to become part of the game design/promgramming industry. However I have no idea where or how to start, I would like to build character models and add them into games and also build maps for games, can anyone give me advice on how I should go about.

Thanks Alot.

Ninjas

it's a good idea to focus on exactly what you like to/are good at doing. If you aren't such a great artist, focus on programming. You'll make more money. There are a number of free C++ compilers like Dev C++, etc. Learn an API like Direct X or OpenGL.

Practice a lot. If you can't do it for fun, then you can't do it.

Briggy

Thanks, That helps alot. I've used a few 3D designing tools before, such as sketch-up and 3D studio Max 7 (trial versions so far) and have had alot of fun, but never been able to finish them due to short attention span (that was 3 years ago) now that i'm almost 16, i've decided that what I want to do for a living is this. And so, thats why i've suddenly appeared on the scene, hehe. Whats the best what to start out, programming or Designing?

thanks again

hawken

I'd say a very very good and humble place to begin, is in a mod team.

you'll learn a lot from existing memebers and maybe get some work out there.

check here:

http://boards.polycount.net/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=4

If you are serious about modelling and stuff, it wouldn't do any harm to mass about with programs untill you are familiar with them, and maybe try some life drawing.

Zergxes

Programming seems to be where the most jobs are.

Striff

See if there are any IDGA chapters in your area and go to the meetings. Ask questions and make friends

Downsizer

They finish high-school in the UK at 16? Sheesh.

I can only echo other statements. Get involved in what you can stomach for an 8 hour a day sitting.

MoP

No, A-Levels are part of what you would think of as high-school, Downsizer. That likely won't be finished till 18 years old.

Matt, there's some good advice here. Just find something you enjoy doing and are good at, and focus on developing it. Take a while to see where your true interests and strengths lie.