Computer Games Developer

Description:

Game designers invent, build, produce and promote computer games for PCs, games consoles, the Internet and mobile phones. The work could involve developing new games or updating existing titles. Game design is like being the film director, but for a computer simulation (imitates the appearance of reality).

Game designers are the creative thinkers in the development of a game, and they become the story-tellers in how the game is to be played.

Facts:

The degree of programming is dependent on the type of game. In small projects, game designers do the design and most of the programming, whereas in larger projects, they may do the design only and the programming will be done by other people. They work with a team of programmers, developers and animators.

Personal Qualities:

• highly creative and dynamic
• computer-literate and technically minded
• able to work under pressure
• prepared to work long, irregular hours
• analytical, skilled at solving problems
• able to communicate

A Typical Day:

A typical day for a Computer Games Developer depends on the stage of the games development process. A game can take several months or even years to produce. There are many stages before a game is released, from creating ideas and characters to programming and testing. Your work might include

• Designer – deciding what a game looks like and how it plays. You would either come up with your own original ideas or work from an existing concept (idea)
• Artist – creating the game’s visual characters, objects and scenery, and producing concept art and drawings (storyboards) at the planning stage
• Animator – bringing the characters, objects and scenery to life with computer modelling and animation software during the production stage
• Programmer – creating the code to make the game work. You could specialize in developing graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), or game play software.

Entry Requirements

Most computer games developers have a qualification. However employers may be more interested in your software skills and experience. The most useful courses include practical skills and work placements. Many people find their first job in the games industry through placements as part of their degree. Check course content and entry requirements carefully so that you choose the right one for you.

Relevant courses in the following areas are very popular choices

• computer science or software engineering
• animation, graphic design, fine art or illustration
• interactive media
• maths or physics

Another very popular way to start working in the games industry is as a quality assurance (QA) tester. You do not need a degree to start at this level, but you must have plenty of experience of game playing, and full knowledge of game platforms and styles. It is also useful to have some knowledge of programming.

Employers will want to see proof of your talent and creativity when you are looking for work. You will need to show examples of your work, which could include completed game projects, ideas for games or programmes, or a DVD or online portfolio of artwork or animation.

Source: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk and http://www.prospects.ac.uk