Games developer: Job description

Games developers are involved in the creation and production of games that range from computer, handheld, console and arcade games to games on the internet, mobile phones and other wireless game applications. Their work involves either design (including art and animation) or programming.

Games development is a fast-moving, multi-billion pound industry. The making of a game from concept to finished product can take up to three years and involve teams of up to 200 professionals. There are many stages, including creating and designing a game’s look and how it plays, animating characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localisation, testing and producing.

The games developer job title covers a broad area of work and there are many specialisms within the industry. These include:

• quality assurance tester;
• programmer, with various specialisms such as network, engine, toolchain and artificial intelligence;
• audio engineer;
• artist, including concept artist, animator and 3D modeller;
• producer;
• editor;
• designer; and
• special effects technician.

Typical work activities

Tasks vary depending on your specialist area but may include:

• developing designs and/or initial concept designs for games including game play;
• generating game scripts and storyboards;
• creating the visual aspects of the game at the concept stage;
• using 2D or 3D modelling and animation software, such as Maya, at the production stage;
• producing the audio features of the game, such as the character voices, music and sound effects;
• programming the game using programming languages such as C++;
• quality testing games in a systematic and thorough way to find problems or bugs and recording precisely where the problem was discovered;
• solving complex technical problems that occur within the game’s production;
• disseminating knowledge to colleagues, clients, publishers and gamers;
• understanding complex written information, ideas and instructions;
• working closely with team members to meet the needs of a project;
• planning resources and managing both the team and the process;
• performing effectively under pressure and meeting deadlines to ensure the game is completed on time.