Sampling

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Through the course of research and learning I am slowly discovering more of what I need to know. I can see why a background in computer science is required by many potential employers. Since I have neither the time or money to get a computer science degree at this time I am figuring out how to gain as much knowledge as possible using free or less expensive resources.

I have listened to Cyber security for Dummies and Artificial Intelligence for Dummies and I’m almost finished with Data Science for Dummies. All of these books are free on Audible. Cyber security quite frankly scares the crap out of me. It was stressful just listening to it. I think a job in that field would be too high-liability for my tastes. I’m already stuck in an industry like that and not interested in taking my chances on another. Artificial intelligence is interesting and I definitely want to learn more about it. In the end, however, I’m more interested to see how this technology can make my games better, than being on the cutting edge of development. Data science is interesting and I feel like I need to know more about it. Even though I feel pretty strong in math, a lot of the terminology they were using went over my head. It’s also such a broad topic, I feel the need to dive into some specifics.

I have also started taking some free classes including the CS50 intro to computer science from Harvard through edX. The main instructor is very engaging and easy to understand. I’m not crazy about the edX user interface or the way they keep prompting me to upgrade to an accredited version of the course. It’s still a free class with lots of good info and professional instruction so I feel like you can’t go wrong.

I started a Coursera class on machine learning and realized I was in over my head from the beginning. I have put that class on hold until I can get a little more background. My latest Udemy class on Unreal Engine RPG building is a little more C++ intensive than I had originally thought, so I may have to put it on hold as well until I can practice with visual studio some more.  This class is also a wake up call on how much space you need on your hard drive for Unreal Engine. The first part of the class had me do a modest download of 20 gigs to get started with some terrain and trees and such off Quixel Bridge. The next part of the lesson asked me to download Valley of the Ancients, which is over 200 gigs, to use some of its geologic features.  On a somewhat related note, I recently found out my internet service provider only allows so much free data per month before they start charging me extra.

I feel like I have a little more direction after listening to some audio books and dipping my toes in a few classes. As I rework my goals I will rework my blog to accommodate as needed. I am feeling energized as retirement draws closer and the new world of employment opens up. I know that my goals of a stay at home game development job are far off but I’m not discouraged yet, and believe me, there are a lot of naysayers. I’m also a pragmatic realist and have lots of backup options. An upgrade, however, is doing something that makes me happy, and that is still a goal worth shooting for.