Game developer

As a games developer (sometimes referred to as a 'dev'), you'll work across PC, console, online, arcade, and/or mobile gaming projects, applying your technical expertise to bring ideas to fruition. You'll often specialise in a particular area of the project, such as level design, animations, gameplay mechanics, or AI.

The development process can differ depending on the size of the game itself or the studio behind it. For example, working on a prestigious, multi-format AAA title with a higher budget and marketing costs will likely involve a very specific area of focus.

Conversely, an indie game released by an independent publisher may be produced by a small group of staff or even solo, with programming and design tasks being combined.

The making of a video game, from concept to final release, can take years and involve huge teams of professional programmers and other technical staff. There are several stages of development, including the initial idea, genre and setting, defining the mechanics and how the player interacts with the world, identifying a particular look and art style, animating characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localisation, testing, editing, and producing.

With the advent of downloadable content (DLC) and live-service games, you won't just work on a product prior to release, as you might be involved in its evolution long after a customer has purchased it.

The term 'game developer' can refer to a company as well as an individual, and job titles can vary, so it's worth considering this when looking for jobs.

Types of game developer

On a reasonably-sized game development project, there will typically be a lead developer or programmer working with a team of other devs who will focus on different aspects of the project.

Areas of specialism may include:

• game engine - this is the tool that's used for the main build of the project and can be in-house or via publically available engines, such as Unreal or Unity
• graphics
• animation
• 3D rendering
• mechanics - the 'rules' of the game and what happens in a given situation
• user interface - for example, the Heads-Up-Display (HUD) that gives players information or in-game menus, for which a background in UX is helpful
• audio
• artificial intelligence - typically based around the actions of non-player characters (NPCs) and how they interact with player characters (PCs) throughout the game level design.

Responsibilities

As a game developer, you'll need to:

• collaborate with other professionals, such as designers, to understand the requirements and work together towards a shared vision
• design, develop, and deliver systems and high-quality code using programming languages; C++ is the industry standard, though many others may be used, including C#, Visual Studio, Java, DirectX (especially Direct3D), Python, Erlang (less common), and Perforce
• perform code reviews to ensure overall quality
• refactor code to improve the design of existing code
• quality test coding in a systematic and thorough way to find problems or bugs, recording precisely where the problem was discovered - it's common for this task to be outsourced to professional game testers, but can also be done in-house by the dev team
• debug programs and solve complex technical problems that occur within the game's production
• attend regular meetings with other development or design professionals to discuss progress and share best practices
• perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines to ensure a game is completed on time.

Depending on the role, you may also:

• develop designs or initial concepts, including game play
• generate scripts and storyboards
• create the visual aspects of the game at the concept stage
• use 2D or 3D modelling and animation software, such as Maya, at the production stage
• produce the audio features of the game, such as character voices, music, and sound effects, synchronising these elements to player actions or environmental triggers, such as weather.

In a more senior position, you might:

• have responsibility for technical strategy and execution of projects from concept to market
• plan resources and manage both the development team and the process.

Salary

• Typical starting salaries for game developers in the UK start at around £24,000.
• Once you have a few years of experience, you may earn a salary of between £36,000 and over £50,000.
• Senior developers, including team leaders or technical directors, can earn from £55,000 to in excess of £80,000.

Salaries vary depending on your specialist area, as well as the studio you work for, its size, and location. Some companies offer bonuses or a profit-sharing scheme.

Income figures are intended as a guide only

Working hours

Developers usually work a 40-hour week, although the role offers some flexibility and you won't necessarily work 9am to 5pm. When deadlines approach, it's common in the industry to expect people to work additional, often unsociable, hours to get the project finished, typically known as 'crunch time' or 'crunch culture'.

What to expect

• The role is typically office, studio or production house based, but remote and hybrid working are now also commonplace. Team members may be located remotely, either in the UK or other parts of the world.
• Jobs are available throughout the UK although the largest concentrations are in London and the South East, the Midlands, and major cities such as Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester and Edinburgh. With remote working practices, some UK game developers have established offices in Europe and elsewhere, taking advantage of lower overheads and staffing costs.
• The working environment is often informal; bigger game studios sometimes install great amenities in workplaces to encourage creativity and greater wellbeing. The dress code is usually casual, although this may depend on the amount of client contact you have.
• The common expectation to work additional hours to finish projects on time, often in evenings and at the weekend, can have an impact on your personal and social life.
• You may need to travel occasionally to meet clients, attend training courses or carry out research.
• Traditionally, game development was a very male-dominated industry. It is only recently that efforts have been made by development companies and studios to diversify their workforce. See Diversity in Tech for more information on initiatives.

Qualifications

Although you can become a games developer with formal qualifications, employers often look for a degree, HND, or foundation degree in:

• computer games (development or design)
• computer games programming
• computer science
• games technology
• mathematics
• physics
• software engineering.

The role involves a lot of technical expertise and problem solving, so a background in mathematics or physics can be very useful. You'll need to be proficient in relevant programming languages, with C++ in particular being vital, as it's common .

If your work includes design as well as development, a degree in a subject such as animation, interactive media, games design, and art or graphic design may be useful.

Entry without an undergraduate degree, HND, or foundation degree is sometimes possible, particularly if you have relevant experience. However, most people who work in games are graduates.

An alternative route is as a quality assurance technician or tester. Although you don't need to have a qualification for such a role, some programming experience is desirable, as well as extensive experience of game playing, an understanding of different styles, along with knowledge of platforms and database skills.

Alternative experience, such as creating videogame 'mods' or administrating online fan communities for particular games, can be useful for making contacts and adding value when you’re seeking a way into the industry.

While having a postgraduate qualification isn't essential, it might be useful, especially if your first degree or HND doesn't involve a games specialism element.

With the increasing popularity of video games and advances in technology, the industry offers a range of opportunities, but competition is intense at all levels and you'll need to demonstrate a high level of commitment and achievement. Work experience, contacts, and a portfolio of completed projects, whether demos or released products, is vital.

Skills

You will need to have:

• technical ability, including familiarisation with a range of programming languages and other tools
• teamworking skills to liaise with other developers and teams involved in making a game
• self-motivation and the ability to work independently on your own projects
• a creative and innovative approach to solving complex, technical problems
• communication skills
• flexibility to meet deadlines and client requirements
• organisational skills to manage and prioritise your workload effectively
• sharp attention to detail
• a forward-thinking approach to work and a willingness to keep learning and developing your skills
• a passion for, and knowledge of, the games industry.

Work experience

A portfolio of completed projects is vital to prove to employers what you can do. The ability to code in programming languages such as C++, scripting experience, and knowledge of specific software tools are valuable skills. For design roles, you should also have a portfolio of artistic work.

Relevant work experience gained, such as through an industrial placement during your degree, is also useful and may help you to network and build contacts.

A strong interest in games and a knowledge of the industry is essential. You could start out by programming your own simple games to refine your technical expertise and exhibit your capabilities. You could then market these on digital distribution sites such as itch.io or GitHub, which host thousands of games, assets, and related media.

You could also take part in game jams, which are events that challenge independent developers or small teams to create games over a period of 24 to 72 hours. Additionally, you can get involved in online forums to increase your knowledge of current industry hot topics and read development websites.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Employers are mainly games studios or publishers. Developers can be distinguished in the following way:

• first-party developers who make games but also the hardware to play them on (e.g. Microsoft, Sony)
• second-party developers who make games for specific platforms (e.g. Insomniac Games, Bungie)
• third-party developers who have contracts with game publishers to develop and release their own games (e.g. Activision, EA).

Studios can be owned by larger publishers or smaller independent companies. The latter may use digital distribution channels, such as Steam or GOG, to sell their games to consumers. The industry operates regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Production companies and studios vary in size, from small outfits employing fewer than five people to multinational studios with hundreds of employees across the globe.

Games are created in a variety of different formats and, as well as being used for PCs, mobile devices, and consoles, they can be commissioned by such diverse clients as:

• educational institutions
• streaming companies and traditional broadcasters
• organisations seeking to recruit, such as the Armed Forces
• information providers, including local and national government
• marketing and advertising agencies
• mobile phone companies
• design companies.

There are a large number of corporate acquisitions of game studios by first-party developers and other companies, such as Microsoft and Embracer Group. These acquisitions have been affected by a post-pandemic slowdown in gaming, with resulting job losses.

Project work accounts for a considerable proportion of employment in this field. Fixed-term contracts or freelance work may be available, and there are opportunities to work on a self-employed basis.

Look for job vacancies at:

• GamesIndustry.biz
• Games Jobs Direct
• Hitmarker
• MCV Jobs
• Remote Game Jobs
• TIGA jobs

Specialist recruitment agencies handle vacancies for games development. Examples include:

• Aardvark Swift
• Amiqus
• Datascope
• Haptic Recruit
• InGame Recruitment

Entry-level jobs are rarely advertised, so it's important to build up contacts as soon as you can. Approach companies speculatively, making sure you do your research and target your application accordingly. For lists of UK games development studios and publishers, see UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie).

Professional development

You'll typically begin at a junior level and will train on the job under the supervision of a more experienced games developer. Some companies utilise their own software, specific to their needs, with much of the training being done in-house.

As the industry is fast-moving, with ever-changing technology, software packages, and working methods, you must be willing to manage your own learning, teach yourself new skills, and keep up to date with technological advances and new trends in the gaming industry.

It's also possible to study at postgraduate level to develop skills in a specialist area. Courses in subjects such as programming, software development, and game engineering are available.

Search for postgraduate courses in computer game design.

Career prospects

Career progression within games development can be relatively fast. Many who enter at a junior level may be at lead level within five to seven years and can reach a senior position within their first ten years. Senior-level roles include technical directors, developers, producers, and team managers.

It's also possible to specialise in developing areas, such as wireless platforms, interactive game applications, AI, and online gaming.

There are also opportunities to develop your career overseas. Games development jobs can be found in countries such as Japan, the USA, Canada, Germany, France, and Scandinavia.

Working freelance or setting up your own studio is possible once you've built up experience.