what is a game developer?
A game developer is a job in IT and tech that uses programming logic and knowledge in software development to build a game from an idea to a playable reality. Your job involves developing the game's mechanics and formulating the artificial intelligence of the characters or creatures players encounter. You create the programming features' visual elements and test the game to ensure it is ready for the market.
After game development, your job is to test the game's functionality to ensure users have a seamless and engaging experience. Your work is to ascertain that the input from the player's console connects with the actions on the screen. This ensures gamers can navigate the game with ease using the control console. You also control the internal motions in the games. For instance, you ensure the characters that cannot be manipulated by human players move and perform other actions to facilitate the game.
As a game developer, you need to design various game formats that work on multiple platforms, including wireless applications, consoles, and mobile phones. You need to understand the stages of game development, like designing, programming, audio effects or animation, production, and editing. Since you work as part of a team, you can specialize in a specific area of game development.
Would working as a game developer suit your skills? Then, read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a game developer role.
view jobs near youaverage game developer salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for software developers is $127,260. For software quality assurance analysts and testers, it is $99,620. Computer programmers can expect to earn $97,800. These figures suggest that game developers in the United States earn around $100,000 to $130,000 per year on average. These salary amounts do not include benefits, bonuses, and other forms of compensation. However, the salary may vary depending on various factors such as location, years of experience, and the specific company.
Wondering what you can earn as a game developer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a game developer is.
types of game developers
As a game developer, you can specialize in the following areas of development:
- content designers: You focus on developing design details like formulating the plot and characters of a game. You also set up the game's universe and offer insights into new features that designers can incorporate.
- game mechanics: Your focus is on the gameplay and elements that improve its functionality within the game design. For instance, you determine the combat moves and fighting tools to add to a fighting game.
- level designers: Your job is to create an environment for the game, where the characters will live, and the ideal themes that draw players into the game. You determine if the game requires a dark environment or a bright theme with animations to make the game enjoyable.
working as a game developer
Game development is a gratifying career. Discover the duties, responsibilities, and work environment of a game developer.
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game developer job description
Specific tasks depend on the project you are working on and the type of game, but some standard duties of a game developer include:
- understanding the game concept: Every game starts with an idea before going through the development process. When the concept artist creates the sketches and visuals, you must familiarize yourself with the game's concepts, tone, and storyline.
- crafting a prototype: From the initial concept and storyline, you can develop a functional prototype that showcases the gameplay. The prototype should indicate how user-friendly the gameplay will be and help decision-makers decide on the project's next phase.
- developing a playable version and vertical slice: When the stakeholders suggest changes to the prototype, you incorporate the changes and create a playable version. Sometimes, the changes to the prototype involve changing the entire storyline or gameplay. You need to make sure you have a playable version. The vertical slice is the game preview used for pitching the idea to investors and publishing studios.
- editing and cleaning up the game: When the initial development is complete, you should test the game's functionality to ensure a seamless user experience. You can remove unnecessary content or add artwork to improve the game's appearance.
- maintaining and checking for errors: After production, you need to check the games to ensure they run smoothly. It is also crucial to check for bugs and upgrade the game aspects to improve the user experience.
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game developer work environment
As a game developer, your work is office-based. Fortunately, most employers provide relaxed and comfortable work environments to boost creativity. Your workspace is well-equipped with all the necessary tools to accomplish your tasks.
You don't need to adhere to a formal dress code in the office. Some game developers work remotely and only visit the office for meetings or conferences. While the job doesn't involve traveling, sometimes you have to pitch a game concept to investors or attend events.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues might include game designers, artists, developers, graphic designers, and sound technicians. They assist in optimizing the features of the gameplay to boost user experience. You might work with mobile developers and game testers to ensure games work on all devices and have no bugs or errors. You might also work with other specialists, including software engineers, game producers, and technical directors.
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work schedule
Game developers work the regular office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. While their work schedule is 40 hours a week, some projects demand long working hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Most game developer opportunities are full-time positions, but you can also work part-time and find freelance or short-term contracts. You need years of experience working with full-time employers before becoming a freelancer.
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job outlook for game developer
As a game developer, your career progression is clearly defined. You join as a junior game developer and progress to a senior developer role to lead a team or development project. Alternatively, you can branch out and specialize in game development. For instance, some developers become game artists, sound technicians, game producers, or game testers. Regardless of the area you choose, you will end up in the leading roles of the development teams. Self-employment is also a possibility when you have years of experience.
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benefits of working for randstad as a game developer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a game developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
game developer skills and education
Some of the ways to become a game developer include:
- bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in computer science or graphic design can provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in game development. These programs cover programming languages, data structures, computer graphics, and artificial intelligence. A degree in animation may also be beneficial, especially if you're interested in the artistic aspects of game development. With that, you will better understand the principles of animation, character design, and visual storytelling, which are essential in creating immersive gaming experiences.
- college courses: Taking specific courses is a great starting point if you're not ready to commit to a four-year degree. Courses in digital design and development can introduce you to game design basics, including user interface design, game mechanics, and interactive storytelling.
- apprenticeship: Apprenticeship programs offer another pathway into the game development industry. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, learning the ins and outs of game development while contributing to real projects. This can be an excellent way to gain practical experience and make industry connections.
skills and competencies
You need the following soft skills to be a successful game developer:
- programming language proficiency: You need to learn coding as a game developer. Building computer and video games requires high-level coding skills, and proficiency in various programming languages can improve your work outcomes. The programming languages often depend on the games you want to create.
- creativity: A game developer should be creative and have artistic prowess to create unique and engaging games for the market. Creative skills help you develop visually attractive games by incorporating unique themes or animations to entertain and engage players.
- problem-solving skills: You need problem-solving skills to help you deal with various problems that arise during video game production. For example, testing and correcting bugs takes time, and without problem-solving skills, you may spend hours resolving a minor issue.
- visual storytelling skills: You need unique and visually appealing games to encourage players to keep playing. Storytelling skills can be useful when developing the characters and incorporating the themes. Humor and suspense leave an impression on the players and immerse them in the games.
- time management skills: Developing games takes time despite working with a large team. Sometimes, you work on multiple games with strict deadlines. Time management helps you prioritize tasks to complete the games on time.
FAQs about working as a game developer
Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about game developers.
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is a passion for gaming a prerequisite for a successful career as a game developer?
While having a passion for gaming can boost motivation and creativity, becoming a successful game developer requires technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning.
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what specific coding languages are essential for a game developer?
To become a game developer, you will want to have a good grasp of coding languages like C++, Java, and Python. These languages provide the foundation for creating game elements and interacting with various gaming platforms.
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are there specific industries or sectors where game developers are in high demand?
Game developers are in high demand in the gaming industry. They are also in high demand in other sectors, like education and healthcare.
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how does collaboration play a role in game development?
Collaboration is important to game development. Teams must work together on design, programming, art, and sound to bring a game to life. Effective communication and teamwork contribute to the success of a game project.
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how can you showcase your skills as a game developer?
You want to build a portfolio that showcases a select few high-quality projects. They should show your versatility, problem-solving skills, and creative process. Include interactive demos, code snippets, and collaborative projects to demonstrate your technical proficiency and the ability to work effectively in a team.
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how do I find a job as a game developer?
Applying for a game developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our game developer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
