I have a very general question which bothers me but i want to add some details first. I'm a core Java programmer. I have independently created some small games in Java for fun. Now, the more I'm looking into professional game development the more I'm getting confused. This is because, whenever I Google about some game development topics or visit any fora etc., I come across different suggestions.
Some will say C++ is good, while some will say JAVA may be better, while still others will say some other language is the ur-language, like Python, Lua, UnrealScript, etc. Also it is suggested that one ought to have knowledge of game engines like Unreal, Torque, Blender, Panda, etc and knowledge of OpenGL, AI, Collision Detection is required. I have even created a game using Android SDK.
What I want to ask is:
- What is the basic skill set that a Professional Game Programmer needs to have? Is it any 1 Programming Language + 1 Scripting language + 1 Game engine knowledge + OpenGL? (Phew!!)
- If I want to enter into Game Industry as Gameplay Programmer or AI programmer then can I get into it with my current skills and portfolio (as stated above)?
- Is learning one programming language is enough for Game Development?
Any guideline will be helpful.