Game Developer

Also known as game programmers, game developers use their technical knowledge to translate concepts and designs into finished products.

As an employed or self-employed games developer, you may work across PC, console, online, arcade, and mobile game projects, supplying the technical expertise to bring them to fruition. You'll often specialise in a particular area of the project.

The game 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 game with a higher budget and marketing costs will likely involve a very specific area of focus. Whereas an indie game on one format released by an independent publisher may be produced by a small group of staff or even solo, and programming and design tasks might be combined.

The making of a game from concept to finished product can take years and involve teams of professionals. There are several stages, including deciding on the initial idea, genre and setting, defining the mechanics of the game and how the player character interacts with the game 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 don't just work on a product during release and you might be involved in its evolution long after a customer has purchased it.

Typically, on a reasonably-sized game development project, there will be a lead developer or programmer and then a team of other developers who will focus on different aspects of the project.

Areas of specialism include:

• game engine - either creating an in-house game engine, or using an off-the-shelf product like Unreal or Unity
• tools
• graphics
• animation
• 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 (a background in UX is helpful for this)
• audio
• artificial intelligence - typically based around the actions of non-player characters (NPCs) and how they interact with player characters (PCs) throughout the game

As a game developer, you'll need to:

• collaborate with other professionals such as designers to understand their 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, Direct
  
  X, Python, Erlang, and Perforce
• refactor code to improve the design of existing code
• quality test coding in a systematic and thorough way to find problems or bugs and record precisely where the problem was discovered
• debug programs and solve complex technical problems that occur within the game's production
• attend regular meetings with other game development or design professionals to discuss progress and share best practice
• 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 concept designs for games including game play
• generate game 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, and synchronise these elements to player actions or environmental triggers (e.g. 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.

Typical starting salaries are around £19,000 to £25,000. Once you have a few years' experience, you may earn a salary of £35,000 to £50,000. Once you're in a senior position, such as team leader or technical director, your salary can range from £55,000 to in excess of £75,000.

Salaries vary depending on your specialist area, as well as on the…