Programming language and schools.

[Kellzz]

I am a student at DeVry Majoring in Game and Simulation programming.
Now from what i see, the only programming language i will be studying will be C# (i think i can fit a Java class in, but i have yet to reach that point). I will be using assembler and other low level languages, but C# is the major one.
For those of you who have experience in the game programming industry, how many different languages should a programmer know?
I have been told before that C#/++ alone wont help me, that Perl, and Java will be needed as well.
Or do most companies hire grads and then mold them to how they see fit?




edit:
I know the arguments of public vs private, and im not interested in hearing about how one school is better than the other.

[Grozzer]

While I'm not an "insider" per se I am in a similar situation as yourself (studying Computer Science and interested in game design), have wondered/asked similar questions, and the answers I have gotten have been scarce or vague at best.
What i can suggest is a book i own and have read and found personally very insightful into the Video game industry.  It's called Game Plan(by Alan Gershenfeld, Mark Loparco, Cecilia Barajas) is written pretty well (not too dry nor too wordy), and was/is one of the first books about the game industry itself, not just "how to make a video game".  Hope it helps!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312275048/gamediscovery-20

[Hamilton]

We do have some DeVry students working for us and Am a former student (a ways back; EET), so I know the institution somewhat.  While not an insider either (trying to break in, you could say), this is what I know of.

A good secondary language is Java.  I think boning up on C is good and to know the various flavors (C, C#, C++, etc); C# is a good choice.  Java has a wide range of applications besides games as well.  Why I say Java is that some MMO platforms are using Java (such as Multiverse) and the growing trend of Browser games.  Java is used as a scripting language, which it seems that games are moving more towards (scripting).  Also if you know one language, it is easy to know the others.

The computer gaming industry is undergoing a transformation, because of the Internet.  Sure the old practices will still be there, but the Internet is providing the means for a talented person(s) to provide their product/service to the masses, without the need to going through a retail distributor or publisher.  The MMO industry is still young and I think you will a good amount of opportunities if you so desire to pursue it.

[Kellzz]

Lets say i have received my degree, and I have been picked up by X studios.


How are new programmers handled? are they given a computer and told "here, work on this part of this game." or is there a type of "apprenticeship" (lack of a better word) the new guy goes through to learn how the company wants its code monkeys to behave?
I know there is the orientation, every company has them. but im wondering if there is a "Im the new guy" phase, where you work on smaller projects, becoming comfortable with whatever language you will be working with.

[Falcon]

I would think that depends entirely on the company. It's a fair bet no two companies will handle their 'newbs' alike. It's actually much up to you to ask questions if you're unsure about something, and letting your supervisors know if they're giving you more to do than you can handle.

[HAWK]

Lets say i have received my degree, and I have been picked up by X studios.


How are new programmers handled? are they given a computer and told "here, work on this part of this game." or is there a type of "apprenticeship" (lack of a better word) the new guy goes through to learn how the company wants its code monkeys to behave?
I know there is the orientation, every company has them. but im wondering if there is a "Im the new guy" phase, where you work on smaller projects, becoming comfortable with whatever language you will be working with.

Kellzz that's a really interesting question.  Let me give you a little bit of feedback.  There are several different "programming" aspects to the game business world.  By programmer I am assuming you mean anything from touch up artist to network host programming.  So basically in the game business world if you are not trying to sell the game or coming up with a story you are pretty much a "programmer".

Once you enter the real world and have gone through an intern phase where you shadow your specific area of interest, it will all depend on how comfortable someone feels with your skills.  Obviously, it is probably best to get your internship and stick around with a job offer there, because they know and trust your skills as opposed to a new bunch of people you need to reimpress. One great thing about the industry is that you have a lot of free thinking room.  Your executive producer, senior producer, or department head might say get this done; but most will give you the freedom to get it done your way because they trust your skill. 

So to end and stop with the rambling.  Trust is everything in this business.  If they trust your free thinking skills as well as the end quality of your work, you will do very well. 

Hope that helps a little.