Signs a Career as a Game Developer is for You

A Game Developer is involved in the creation and production of games for personal computers, games consoles, the internet, arcades, tablets and mobile phones. Here are the signs you’d make a good game developer:

You have…

• familiarisation with a range of programming languages and/or software packages
• teamworking skills to liaise with other developers 
• the ability to work independently on your own projects
• a creative approach to solving technical problems
• communication skills and the ability to listen to a client’s requirements
• time management skills and the ability to prioritise to meet deadlines
• a meticulous approach
• enthusiasm for and knowledge of the games industry.

You want to…

• design, develop and deliver systems and high-quality code using programming languages, such as C++ and C#
• perform code reviews to ensure code quality
• 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
• collaborate with games development team members.

You don’t mind…

• generally long work hours
• occasional extra work hours when approaching deadlines
• Long periods of time in front of a computer screen

Getting started

Entry into games development does not necessarily require a degree but employers will often look for a degree or Higher National Diploma in the following subjects:

• Computer Games (Development or Design)
• Computer Games Programming
• Computer Science
• Games Technology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Software Engineering.

Alternatively, relevant experience can help you work your way up into games development such as working as a quality assurance technician or tester.

Competition in this career field is fierce. It’s essential that you create a working demo with examples of game programming you’ve created to show employers your technical skills and creativity. The ability to code in programming languages such as C++, scripting experience and knowledge of specific software tools are also useful skills.

Work experience placements during your degree course are helpful to give you experience and valuable contacts.

Search all game developer jobs on our vacancies page.

Article source: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/game-developer