career - Need guidelines for studying Game Development

I've completed my graduation in Computer Science and currently working as a Software Engineer in a software company. I was wondering if I can build my career in Game Development. If so, what should be my approach. I've a few questions:

1. Which universities to apply for masters? Preferably in Canada. Scholarships available? How shall I prepare myself before applying which shall give me an edge or advantage over others?


2. I know Java, C#, PHP etc. I dont think these languages will be needed in Game Development. In that case, what languages shall I focus on from now?


3. How do I get some ideas about IDE/Engines/Platform of game development? I'm not talking about flash/browser games.


4. Please suggest me anything you want as I don't know much about it so I'm most likely to miss the most important questions. Feel free to make this thread a starter guide for those interested in perusing their career in game development. Post every relevant information.

EDIT: I can see a lot of people suggested to build a small project/game. If so, please suggest me how do I start a small game developing (maybe a clone to some existing small games ie pacman, brick game etc) from start to end.

Answer

For more details and proper guidelines check this out:

http://www.sloperama.com/advice.html