two pi:

It’s pretty simple, really. Build games.

The only thing that really matters on a game programmer’s resume is games. Write some games that people are willing to pay for, and you’ve got all the qualifications you need.

Of course, building games is a difficult thing to do, so it will take some work to get there.

Learn to program first. It doesn’t matter what language, but understand how variables, conditions, loops, arrays, and functions work. You’ll need Object-oriented programming eventually, but it doesn’t have to be in your first language.

Also learn all the math you can handle. Then take a little more. Game programmers use trig and algebra every day. Linear algebra (matrix and vector math) is also very commonly used. You won’t honestly use calculus every day, but you’ll be glad you’ve taken it.

Take a physics class or two. You can’t make things act realistically if you don’t understand how realistic motion works.

Get a degree in computer science rather than some kind of game design degree that shies away from the hard math and science. Game and level design, the story-telling aspects, story-boarding are all good skills, but if you can’t turn them into a game, nobody really cares.

Build games. Build a lot of games. Start small, because they’re a lot harder than you think. No, smaller than that. Seriously. Pong is probably too difficult for your first game. Start with a mad-lib or something. You are not going to write a MMORPG on your first try any more than you’re going to build a Masarati in your garage.

When you’ve got a few games under your belt, start writing games for the indy circuit. If you’re good, it won’t take long to get discovered.

Best of luck to you…