what is more important when applying for a game programming role, a portfolio or a degree? (or is it a must to have both?)
A degree makes sure HR doesn't chuck your application in the bin. A portfolio lets the team quickly judge your experience and decide if an interview is worthwhile.
Any ideas what the interview process is like for prospective game programmers?
Be prepared to have some technical conversations about your portfolio, especially any bits of tech that you're proud of or interested in. Be able to humbly answer why certain technical choices were made. Be prepared to solve a simple algorithm in C code on a whiteboard (a quick way to see who coasted through their degree without actually learning to be a programmer). If asked about your favourite games, they might have technical questions for you - like what you'd improve if working on that game.
If you are a game programmer, do you enjoy your job? Was this something you always wanted to do?
Yep. I got the chance to start learning to program in high school, but always wanted to before that.
If you don't actively enjoy programming, then I wouldn't recommend it as a career.
I've had other (non-games) programming jobs for companies that I grew to hate, but I always love working on games.
Game developers are often said to work upward of 80/90 hours, is this true? anyone experienced this at all?
I've had one company ask everyone to temporarily work 50 hour weeks, which resulted in a large portion of the team resigning! This is in Australia though, where 38 hour weeks (averaged over a month) are protected by law.
I have a friend in the US who chooses to work 100+ hour weeks...
How hard do you feel it is to find jobs within the game industry at the moment?
There was a global industry collapse in 2008-2010ish (the GFC caused publishers to cut spending on external developers by about half, and really prioritise only working with devs they owned, which resulted in lot of of work suddenly drying up, resulting in a lot of studios unable to find work, resulting in thousands of people being laid off), but things are rebounding now.
The Indie scene in particular is thriving.
What do you think is the best way to stand out to prospective employers?
Make a good game. Something that actually has an active fan base.
Have demonstrable talent and drive, be personable and humble.
Work experience (internships) or building a portfolio, which is more important in your opinion?
Things might be different in the US, but in my experience, internships are extremely rare... and probably used by companies who need staff but can't even afford a junior programmer's wage.
The experience gained may still be useful :P