I'm not interested in engine programming and I have not so much time to study gamedev subjects on my own because I need to get a bachelor in computer science asap.

I'm interested in game programming and AI programming because I like game design.

Last year i made my first game(a geometry wars clone) with xna and i learn a bit about gamedev, then I made a very simple game prototype with Unity engine (the concept of the game didn't work so i stop the project)

Now I have 2-3 ideas to develop but the summer is approaching so i have even less time to dedicate to gamedev.

I have a choice: to realise a simple tech demo with directx or Irrlicht engine.

Does a junior game programmer/AI need a deep knowledge of directx/opengl? or i can just use an engine and focus on the algorithms?

Quote: Original post by Tom Sloper
The more you know, the better.
Do not try to rush your education.
Have you ever heard of "The Tortoise and the Hare"?
Do not be the hare. Be the tortoise.

Thanks, I don't want to rush, but the university can't provide me any form of knowledge of gamedev, instead it give me a good knowledge of computer science.

After graduation it's difficult(or impossible?) getting into the game industry without a portfolio, specially in my country. So i prefer making my portfolio during these years rather than after the graduation.

I start with xna because it was at high level and I was a beginner, now i want a deep knowledge.

what should I do?i should use Directx first, with the possibility to waste time(because of the huge step betwenn xna and directx), or using an engine and then maybe work on directx?

It's important for me to learn while working on personal projects, so i can achieve something while learning and satisfy my creativity.