What is a game developer (and how do I become one)? (2023)

What is a game developer (and how do I become one)?

Video game developers help take games from concept to playable reality. They do this by coding images, scheduling resources, and testing iterations until a game is ready for the market. If you love video games and enjoy working with computers, a career in game development can be immensely rewarding.

What is a game developer?

Game developers often play a role in various elements of game development, including graphics,artificial intelligence,user interfaceand the logic of the game.

tasks and responsibilities

The nature of your job as a game developer depends on the size of the company you work for and your specialization. With larger game companies, you tend to have a more specialized role working on a specific game element. For an indie publisher, you can be involved in many processes in a game's life cycle. Here are some of the daily tasks you can perform in this role:

• Create new game design ideas

• Translate visual ideas into code

• Prototype, iteration and polished gameplay.

• Collaborate with quality designers, producers, artists, and reviewers.

• Monitor game stability on all platforms

• Review existing code and recommend improvements

• Transfer games or items from one system to another

Types of game developers.

In this industry, you'll typically work in one of four role types: first, second, or third developer, or indie developer. The path you choose will depend on where you are in your career, what elements of game development interest you, and how much creative control you want to have over the final product.

specializations

In addition to deciding what kind of developer you want to be, you can also specialize. They can develop niche skills based on system type (console, desktop, or mobile), game type (simulation, adventure, RPG, strategy, etc.), setting, etc.

Learn about RPGs in the metaverse and play through the possibilities of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).Objectives What is the Metaverse?Course.

Is game development a good career?

Many game developers enter the industry for the love of games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, more than 215 million people in the United States play video games, making them a leading form of entertainment.1]. While working in game development can be challenging, it can also be rewarding to be involved in developing something that you (and your potential customers) are passionate about.

game developer salary

According to the 2021 Developer Satisfaction Survey conducted by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), 63% of full-time developers reported earning more than $50,000 per year [2]. Job site Glassdoor reports an even higher number ($74,838 median base salary) for game developers in the US as of October 2022.

job prospectus

The video game industry has been growing rapidly and is likely to continue on that path, according to IGDA [2]. As gaming continues to drive innovation, job opportunities could expand into areas like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and esports.

This is how you become a game developer

Game development is generally considered a highly desirable career, especially for those with an established love of video games. Let's take a look at some of the educational recommendations and skills you can develop to be more competitive in your job search.

educational requirements

Many game development and publishing companies are looking for candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Some universities have begun to offer degrees or specializations in game design and interactive entertainment, more specifically geared towards the video game industry.Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of LondonFor example, you can specialize in cutting-edge topics like virtual reality, game development, or 3D graphics and animation.

While a degree isn't always necessary, it can help you develop the fundamental technical skills you need to succeed as a software developer.

Keep reading: Your Guide to Game Design Titles

Game developer skills

Having the right technical skills under your belt can open up job opportunities as a game developer. Two common skills you'll find in job postings are experience with game development engines and the ability to code (usually in C# or C++).

• Unitis a cross-platform game engine that allows you to develop 2D and 3D games. Unity is particularly popular for mobile and indie games. It's free for students and personal use, so you can start developing games (and gain experience) before you're hired.

• unreal engineOriginally developed for first-person shooters, it has evolved into a 3D creation platform used for cross-platform gaming. Unreal uses C++ as its programming language.

• C #(pronounced Cis) is a programming language commonly used for mobile game and application development, particularly with the Unity engine.

• C++It is a universal programming language that is widely used to develop not only games but also operating systems and applications.

Job Search Tips

If you are passionate about gaming and like to combine technology and creativity, there are a few steps you can take to get into the gaming industry.

Start with simple games or small game behaviors.

Start developing your skills right away by creating games. Start with something small and basic, like creating asimple behavioroKeyboard movement mechanicsin C# or and works for more complex projects.

Built portfolio.

If you develop your own games, add them to your portfolio. This shows potential employers what you can do and can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are some options to get you started:

• Create four complete Unity game projects withGame Design and Development with Specialization in Unity 2020from Michigan State University.

• Learn C++ and Unreal while building larger console apps withSpecialization in C++ programming for Unreal game developmentfrom the University of Colorado.

Get started as a QA tester.

Quality Assurance (QA) testers systematically test games for bugs or glitches. This entry-level role can be a great way to gain experience (and establish yourself) in the gaming industry.

Attend gaming industry events.

As in many industries, effective networking can help you find opportunities you might not otherwise know about. Attend game industry events where you can meet other developers and game development studios. A particularly good option that welcomes career seekers is the Game Development Conference (GDC).

Other careers in video games

Many different elements (and people) are involved in the development of a video game. If you are interested in creating games, consider these roles as well. Please note that some may fall under the umbrella of game development.

• game artistCreate the 2D and 3D images that are used to render graphics in a game.

• animatorsUse special software to bring characters, settings, props, and other objects to life.

• writerCreate in-game scripts and dialogue, as well as write marketing materials and technical documentation for a game.

• toningEdit and mix game soundtracks that can include background music, voiceovers, and sound effects.

• producersact as project managers and oversee the production process from conception to completion.

• video game designersConceptualize characters, settings, plot, and gameplay, then work with game developers and programmers to translate those ideas into code.

• game testerIdentify bugs in a game and report those findings to developers.

Start your gaming career

If you're ready to take the next step toward a career in game development, consider Michigan State University.Game Design and Development with Specialization in Unity 2020(updated for 2021). This series of five courses will give you the tools and techniques to start developing your own 2D and 3D games. You can also explore the future of video games and the game engines that power the metaverse.Objectives What is the Metaverse?Course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)