Jitspoe,
I have a friend, Hal9000, some of you may know him as the person that made the warehouse map for Q3RA3, and did some map work for Q2RA2.
Although he started his dev life as a mapper/grafx artist, he soon moved into programming (sound familiar?).
Once he went professional he went to work for Sony, Raven Soft, and I don't know where he is now.
The point is, he basically worked at each company till the projects ran dry, then moved on to another gaming company. This meant he pretty much moved around a lot (every 2 to 3 years or so).
If your dream is to work for a gaming-type company, be prepared to flow with the needs of the industry. You may be in California this year, but you'll never know where you'll be the next, or the next, etc...
As a young single male this is completely feasible for you, Jitspoe. And I know you want to work in gaming to some capacity.
Just keep in mind that you can't bounce from company to company forever. Always keep an eye out for an interesting and challenging permanent position where you can build a stable future.
I've been with the same company for 12 years. The only problem I have is that I am stuck working in straight C/C++ and some (GAK!!!) assembler. I am currently looking to make a move towards more current technologies, and even considering a UNIX/Solaris data administrator job for the stability, and because I have connections. At 44 this is a risky move for me, but I feel the need to move closer to the front lines.
Plan carefully my friend. Think of your future. Do what's in your heart.