Need for a Game Development Degree.

[Silent Assassin]

Hi,
I have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. However, I would like to make a career in Game Programming. Game Development is somewhat not very much developed in my country. So considering all these factors in mind I have a few questions:

1) Is a Game Degree essential for proving myself in the industry?

2) I am currently working at a place wherein the work is not all that great. So what do I need to do to improve my resume on the personal front?

3) If I get into the industry with a couple of years of experience what would be expected off me - API knowledge or experience working with a Game Engine or anything else?

Thanks and looking forward to your replies.

[Sol_HSA]

1) Is a Game Degree essential for proving myself in the industry?
No. In fact, I believe many game companies value non-game degrees way more than game degrees. On top of that you will need some kind of portfolio on what you can do, so try writing a bunch of small games and show them off on your website.

2) I am currently working at a place wherein the work is not all that great. So what do I need to do to improve my resume on the personal front?
See above - you don't need experience in game companies in order to score a job in one =). What you need is the ability to prove that you can do the job, and in case of games, that means making some.

3) If I get into the industry with a couple of years of experience what would be expected off me - API knowledge or experience working with a Game Engine or anything else?
Ability to finish projects above all else. On top of that, typical range of game-specific technologies (i.e. graphics, audio, control APIs..) Experience with specific game engines or consoles is always a plus, but not likely if you're not working in a game company.

Good luck!

[J22]

To gain console development experience, you could try XNA on Xbox though.