3D Game Programmer

[rocneasta]

Could anyone summarize the basic skill set and knowledge a 3D game programmer should gave, from must have to would be nice to have.

Cheers,

roc

[Perversonality]

What level are we talking about here mate?

Coding skills will be essential, funnily enough! For mobile devices objective C/C/C++ and Java are the normal paths. For PC/Mac/Xbox/PS3 C++ or C# are usually the norm. For Windows Direct3D and DirectX knowledge is essential though OpenGL (of whichever flavour) can get you a long way and also is supported for hardware acceleration on mobile devices. Some assembly language can be very useful too, though often C++ or C# provide sufficient performance without needing to go low level too often

Beyond that, solid maths skills (matrix transformations for example), production level coding experience (helps with avoiding memory/handle leaks, multi-threading and so on), knowledge of AI algorithms, debugging skills, working with physics engines, network code (for multiplayer games and for integrating with DRM/online registration services), secure data transfer (encryption), shader coding and more!

A number of larger title use customized versions of existing engines (Cry, UDK, etc) but you would still need coding skills to make the most of the engine and to customize it for your needs

Of course, if you are thinking of an independent game then you could simply learn Unity, Blender, UDK, Shiva3D or any of the other game dev suites, or look at Ogre, Irlicht or any of the other game development languages (middleware)

[rocneasta]

i think you've answered all my questions - was looking forward to a more general description, as i'm trying to set some information correctly.

If anything more specific i'll dare to ask!!

tnx

[rocneasta]

hmm, what IF we should implement this view of 3D programming into this thing

http://www.trillenium.com/

what knowledge should a 3D programmer have in this area. Any insight.

the example i'm referring to via www is in alpha stage but there is a video available for download @ about us > press release

[Perversonality]

So you want to develop an online shopping system? If so then the key skills will be most of the above. Beyond the basic 3d engine (and physics part) you'll definitely need secure and reliable networking, secure financial transactions, probably interfacing with APIs for credit card companies or PayPal type services...

[rocneasta]

nah it's a client of ours, just want to see what kind of people and their education/knowledge he would need to employ. But yea, your first post is general and with that it's good to comprehend and conclude all the rest

cheers, once again

[Perversonality]

Glad to help mate