what is a game developer?
A game developer is a job in IT and tech that uses programming logic and knowledge in software development to build a game from an idea to a playable reality. Your job involves developing the game's mechanics and formulating the artificial intelligence of the characters or creatures that players encounter in the game. You create the programming features' visual elements and test the game to ensure it is ready for the market.
After game development, your job is to test the game's functionality to ensure users have a seamless and engaging experience. Your work is to ascertain that the input from the player's console connects with the actions on the screen. This ensures gamers can navigate the game with ease using the control console. You also control the internal motions in the games. For instance, you ensure the characters that cannot be manipulated by human players move and perform other actions to facilitate the game.
what does a game developer do?
As a game developer, you need to design various game formats that work on multiple platforms, including wireless applications, consoles and mobile phones. It is also important to understand the stages of game developments like designing, programming, audio effects or animation, production and editing. Since you work as part of a team, you can specialise in a specific area of game development.
Would working as a game developer suit your interest in video games? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a game developer role.
average salary of a game developer
According to National Careers, the salary of a junior game developer is £25,000 per year, while a senior-level or experienced developer earns £59,000 annually. The basic salary depends on many factors, from experience level to education and the type of games you develop. Your compensation package can also include medical allowances and non-monetary benefits like a paid vacation. Apart from wages, most companies have overtime pay rates for working extra hours, bonuses for successful project completion and end-of-year incentives to thank workers for their dedication.
what factors affect the salary of a game developer?
As a game developer, your earnings depend on the project size and the scope of your role. In an entry-level position, you work under supervision to create or polish specific aspects of a game while experienced developers lead their teams to build a game. Hence, your compensation package differs due to the scope of your role. When handling small projects, you earn less than someone working on blockbuster games. The company size also affects your salary since large organisations have almost unlimited resources and handle complex gaming projects.
types of game developer
As a game developer, you can specialise in the following areas of development:
- content designers: as a game developer, you can focus on developing design details like formulating the plot and characters of a game. You also set up the game's universe and offer insights into the features to be incorporated.
- game mechanics: your focus is on the gameplay and elements that improve its functionality within the game design. For instance, you determine the combat moves and fighting tools to add to a fighting game.
- level designers: your job is to create an environment for the game, where the characters will live, and the ideal themes that draw players into the game. You determine if the game requires a dark environment or a bright theme with animations to make the game enjoyable.
working as a game developer
Game development is a gratifying career. Discover the duties, responsibilities and work environment of a game developer.
-
game developer job description
Specific tasks depend on the project you are working on and the type of game, but some standard duties of a game developer include:
- understanding the game concept: every game starts with an idea before going through the development process. Therefore, when the concept artist creates the sketches and visuals, your job is to familiarise yourself with the game's concepts, tone and storyline.
- crafting a prototype: from the initial concept and storyline, you can develop a functional prototype that showcases the gameplay. While the game is unfinished, it should indicate how user-friendly the gameplay will be and help decision-makers decide on the next phase for the project.
- developing a playable version and vertical slice: when the stakeholders suggest changes to the prototype, you incorporate the changes and create a playable version. Sometimes, the changes to the prototype involve changing the entire storyline or gameplay. Hence, it is crucial to make the playable version. The vertical slice is the game preview used for pitching the idea to investors and publishing studios.
- editing and cleaning up the game: when the initial development is complete, you should test the game's functionality to ensure a seamless user experience. You can remove unnecessary content or add artwork to improve the game's appearance.
- maintenance and checking for errors: after production, you need to check the games to ensure they run smoothly. It is also crucial to check for bugs and upgrade the game aspects to improve the user experience.
-
work environment
As a game developer, your work is office-based. Fortunately, most employers provide relaxed and comfortable work environments to boost creativity. Your workspace is well-equipped with all the tools you need to accomplish your tasks.
You don't need to wear a formal dress code in the office. Some game developers work remotely and only go to the office for meetings or conferences. While the job doesn't involve travelling, sometimes you have to pitch a game concept to investors or attend events.
-
who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues might include game designers, game artists , developers and sound technicians. They assist in optimising the features of the gameplay to boost user experience. You might work with mobile developers and game testers to ensure games work on all devices and have no bugs or errors. You might also work with other specialists, including software engineers, game producers and technical directors.
-
work schedule
Game developers work the regular office hours from 9 am to 5 pm. While their work schedule is 40 hours a week, some projects demand long working hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings. Most game developer opportunities are full-time positions, but you can also work part-time and find freelance or short-term contracts. You need years of experience working with full-time employers before becoming a freelancer.
-
job outlook
As a game developer, your career progression is clearly defined. You join as a junior game developer and progress to a senior developer role to lead a team or development project. Alternatively, you can branch out and specialise in one of the specialisms in game development. For instance, some developers become game artists, sound technicians, game producers or game testers. Regardless of the specialism you choose, you will end up in the leading roles of the development teams. Self-employment is also a possibility when you have years of experience.
-
advantages of finding a game developer job through randstad
Finding your game developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a game developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes for becoming a game developer include:
- university degree: you can become a game developer by completing a foundation degree in computer game development, computer science and interactive media. A degree in graphic design or animation also improves your job prospects.
- college: a college course can get you a trainee position in a company. Some courses to consider are T Level in digital design and development or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in creative media production game development.
- apprenticeship: you can join the profession through software developer higher apprenticeship courses or a game programmer degree apprenticeship. You will acquire knowledge from the coursework and practical skills.
skills and competencies
You need the following soft skills to be a successful game developer:
- programming language proficiency: it is crucial to learn coding as a game developer. Building computer and video games requires high-level coding skills, and proficiency in various programming languages can improve your work outcomes. The programming languages often depend on the games you want to create. For instance, computer games require knowledge of C++, while mobile games need Java.
- creativity: a game developer should be creative and have artistic prowess to create unique and engaging games for the market. Creative skills help you develop visually attractive games by incorporating unique themes or animations to entertain and engage players.
- problem-solving skills: as a game developer, you need problem-solving skills to help you deal with various problems that arise during video game production. For instance, testing and correcting bugs takes time, and without problem-solving skills, you may spend hours resolving a minor issue.
- visual storytelling skills: you need unique and visually appealing games to encourage players to keep playing. Storytelling skills can come in handy when developing the characters and incorporating the themes. Humour and suspense leave an impression on the players and keep them immersed in the games.
- time management skills: developing games takes time despite working with a large team. Sometimes, you work on multiple games with strict deadlines. Time management helps you prioritise tasks to complete the games on time.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a game developer
-
what does a game developer do?
A game developer designs and creates games played on various devices. They also maintain and improve the gameplay of existing games.
-
is a game developer career easy?
Becoming a game developer is a challenging career since you have to deal with complex tasks and issues that arise.
-
is game developer a good career?
If you are a good storyteller with exceptional coding skills, being a game developer will be a good career for you. The career progression path is also promising.
-
what do you need to become a game developer?
You need a bachelor's degree in computer game development and an interest in programming.
-
how do I apply for a game developer vacancy?
Applying for a game developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
