Is blender really useful to learn if I want to do real 3D modelling for videogames or movies later?
I've been planning for the future by learning a lot of computer languages and programs, such as HTML, PHP, learning how to animate in flash, etc. I'm only 14, and I want to learn 3D modelling now so i have a better chance of getting into a good graphic design/computer tech college. I'm a pretty good artist (if I do say so myself) and if I learn animation and 3D design now I can show my work to colleges and game companies.
Is blender a good program to learn a lot about 3D modelling and animation or is it very different than programs used by professionals and video game companies.
Blender is an excellent starting point, but if you think about the industry it self, blender would count as, at most a prototyping tool.
You wont find any big titles to use blender for their development.
But since you still have some time to think about a career I'd suggest you work on blender to build up your portfolio. you can use blender to familiarize almost any aspect of the game development work flow. modeling, UVmapping, coding (in blender that would be python), logic etc.
as you go along you will understand where your strengths are. If you are good at modeling or the artistic side you can work on that
If you are good at programing or the science of doing things you might wanna consider leaning other languages such as C++
But I personally think if you really wanna get in the "game" what you should do is (use something like blender for prototyping) think of new concepts for gaming, other than the same old FPS & RPG, who knows you might invent the next best genre of games or the most revolutionary input method yet,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_genres
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