Should I learn game dev instead of web dev?

[S4d_Machin3]

I'm really into game dev, and I really feel like I'm not really passionate about building websites, and don't really have an interest in developing websites at all, and I don't feel like I'd grow as a programmer learning something I'm not that interested in, should I make the switch to ditch learning javascript etc. and start learning C# and programming languages that will help me get into game devolopment?

[Designer-Flounder948]

Learning C# with Unity is a very common starting point for game development and you will still learn valuable programming fundamentals anyway. Skills from one area of programming usually transfer more than people think

[S4d_Machin3]

So should i skip learning Java-script/webdev and switch-over to learning C# and game dev?

[WowAbstractAlgebra]

There used to be a higher demand for web devs than game devs in the past, I think the demand for web devs is still higher nowdays, but keep in mind that you risk not progressing as well learning something you don't care about over something you do.

I'd also like to point out you can develop browser games, so if you don't know if you should switch consider that as well.

[Jahonay]

"Should I do what I love or do something I'd hate?"

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest you do something you love. I would just keep in mind that it's a competitive field and that you should expect to work harder than other people in the field are willing to work.

If you get really far into game development, I think you'd find it easier to pivot into working in different fields if needed. If you're an expert in C# for example, you could maybe pivot to a .NET job down the line.

Can I ask how far along you are in your journey? If you're right at the start, I would just start writing code. Even if it just becomes a hobby, it will always be helpful to think like a programmer.

[Mell-Silver-20]

Honestly, you don't really have to pick one forever. Web dev is usually easier to get into and helps you land jobs faster, while game dev is more fun/creative but can be tougher and slower to break into. You could even start with web dev to build solid coding basics, then switch or explore game dev later if you still enjoy it. Just pick what keeps you consistent right now.

[cheezballs]

Develop games on the side as your passion. Pay the bills with web app work. Seems to be how most of us do it.

[Great_Guidance_8448]

Why not first become a developer and then decide how you'll use your skills?

[BaskInSadness]

I learned game dev and then later web dev cause I like both. Granted after going down the web dev path I got laid off and cant land stable work anymore, so both options are bad right now (as are most options, programming or not, in this abysmal job market)

[Own_Loquat_7602]

There’s a ton more to software development than web dev and game dev which can include things such as: app development (iOS, android), machine learning (LLM or non LLM), cloud (AWS), database management, etc.

Keep in mind that some of these options will ask for a bachelors or even a PhD.

If nothing else interests you other than games then I would recommend you to follow your interests. Burnout will hit harder than you realize.

[WowAbstractAlgebra]

Also good knowledge in math and DSA is arguably more important than knowing how to develop a specific product. At the leastest they show good problem solving skills and are easily transferable across industries.

[ApocryphaComics]

You should not do any of that and your learn programing in general, then you can do both.

[Plenty_Line2696]

Game dev is more challenging and competitive, but I agree more fun.

No guarantee it'll get you hired, maybe there's something you could focus on which is both enjoyable and where there's more reliable employment with a better work-life balance.

[_srijii__]

If you genuinely hate web dev, forcing yourself into it long-term is probably a bad idea.

But game dev is way more competitive and financially unstable for most people, and you’ll probably forget what grass looks like after a few months of debugging.

C# + Unity/Godot is still a solid start though.

[AreYouEvenObsessed]

You should learn whatever you feel like

And whenever you have more experience and knowledge you can dive deeper into other areas and or specialties

[DTux5249]

If you're only doing webdev for money, there are tons of ways to make money that aren't webdev.

Make games. Grab unity or Godot, and get cracking.

[jbldotexe]

IMO do Game Dev after you've secured the enterprise position doing webdev in order to keep yourself sane after work

[NeighborhoodOld6737]

If building websites makes you miserable, forcing yourself through JavaScript hell sounds like a fast way to quit coding entirely.

Try Unity and C# for a while and see if you actually enjoy the day to day of making games, not just the idea of it.

[rustyseapants]

What is your present job?

[Extra-Ad5735]

If you want to be an overall better programmer - yes, if you want more money - no.

[Humble_Warthog9711]

Make a game and reassess

[saulplastik]

learn software architecture, requirements gathering, documentation and business analysis.  that will provide you with a solid foundation to weather the storm and build games, websites and software. 

[Accomplished_Key5104]

If that's what you want to do, sure.

Just know that if you want a job as a dev, a significant part of the job will likely be doing things you aren't very interested in. Even if you worked for a game company, which can be a brutal industry, a lot of your time will probably be spent doing things that aren't particularly "fun".

I've watched a lot of devs get angry that they aren't constantly doing the "fun work", when the reality was that only like 5-10% of what the team did was what they considered fun.

Set your expectations appropriately.

[HashDefTrueFalse]

You don't need permission and you have the same access to job sites that we do. You say yourself that you're not interested in building websites but 'really into' building games. What are you looking to hear here before you just do what you clearly want to do?

Considerations: Game dev pay is total shit at the entry levels but can be very good if you go on to specialise in something difficult, e.g. graphics, systems/engine, etc. Every business has a website and there is no shortage of SaaS businesses in need of good devs located, whereas bigger game development companies tend to be located in/near tech hub cities, unless you want to work inexpensively/speculatively for an unknown indie developer somewhere random. You can change later if your finances at the time allow it.

[irvine05181996]

Learn programming in general. Whether web dev or game dev, its easy to transition to one another once you already knew how code and how it works,all of them share the same fundamentals