Do AI or graphics programmers have more job opportunities?

Question

I've come to a crossroads where I need to choose between focusing on AI or graphics programming for a career in games. I'm interested in both and am really wanting to know which area might have more job opportunities or even which might be a more interesting career. I'm also curious if I'm unable to find a job in games what the outlook might be outside of games for each career path.

Answer 1

Good graphics programmers are usually the most in-demand in the industry.

No one is going to force you to choose between them professionally until you've had some real-world experience.

The outlook for both is fine outside the industry, which is to say, both have focused skillsets that no one outside of games and simulation software will use, but if you're good at either you'll have no trouble dealing with normal software. (Except perhaps incredible frustration at your coworkers and tools.)

No one can tell you which is more interesting to you. Pick the one you want to do most.

Answer 2

I'd say go for what you like the most as it will surely make you be better on that than something you don't like as much.

For the day you want to change and go for a non game programming job (I did that this year so I don't have That much experience about this kind of changing. But changing is usually the first time that counts right?) sure there are some things to learn (usually, it seems, a Lot of talking, more docs than in the WG industry, a better salary and shorter days ^^ ) but I don't think you will have any greater problem that a more or less experienced video game programmer can't handle.

That said, I can't promise anything of course :-)