Game Programmer: Job Profile and Role

Minecraft, World of Warcraft, and Grand Theft Auto are some of the most popular computer games on the planet. Maybe you are one of the people who love spending time playing these games? Or maybe you have already tried to program a game yourself? Whatever the answer, the following job might just be the one you have been looking for: the job of a game programmer.

In this blog, we explore this exciting job in detail. We look at your responsibilities and the qualifications and skills you need to become a game programmer. Furthermore, we give you an idea about what annual salaries to expect, who may be paying them, and what your career can look like. You also get an insight into typical daily tasks and tips that will help you thrive.

Short Summary

• As a game programmer, you naturally develop games, which range from a first idea to producing games and feature prototypes.
• As a game programmer, you are responsible for graphics and rendering, which includes implementing visual elements, such as 3D.
• As a game programmer, you program the game’s languages so the game is accessible and playable by players worldwide.

Job description

As a game programmer, you are basically the person responsible for breathing life into a game. You do this by writing the game’s code and ensuring that all components run smoothly and free of hitches and bugs. Your job description encompasses more than these tasks. You are in charge of vital things like physics and stimulation, graphics and rendering. Moreover, you may be the person who is animating characters and objects and one of the first people to do a test run – quite often as a so-called multiplayer who is interacting and playing with other game testers.

Responsibilities

• Game Engines
• Game Development
• Testing and Debugging
• Physics and Stimulation
• Graphics and Rendering
• Programming Languages
• Multiplayer and Networking
• Animate Characters/Objects
• Produce Features Prototypes
• Creating Validation Procedures

Different types of Game Programmers

• UX/UI Programmer
• VR/AR Programmer
• Graphics Programmer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Mobile Game Programmer

Salary

As a full-time employed game programmer in the UK, you can start earning around ￡26,000 per year. This can increase considerably the more work experience you have and, therefore, the longer you have worked in this job. Here, your annual salary can amount to ￡39,000, possibly even more. How much your game programmer job pays you depends not only on your work experience but on your employer and your location as well.

Working hours

Depending on your employment, you typically work between 30 and 40 hours a week, with the occasional evening and weekend thrown in. These hours apply when you work for a game developing/programming company, and, naturally, your job will be very office-based. If you work freelance or self-employed, your working hours can vary. This depends on your client base and your passion for the job. You may well be one of the people who love nothing more than being holed up in front of a computer, developing and programming games – meaning that you may work considerably more hours.

Employers

Being a game programmer is a bit of a niche job which can limit your potential employers. Typically, you are employed by game development studios or indie game studios which tend to be less mainstream and more independent than the “big guns”. But you can equally look for job openings with technology companies involved in AI or educational institutions, for example, universities. One more employment/working option is freelance work where you offer your game programmer services to one of the above-mentioned sectors.

Game Programmer Clichés

You are probably aware that gamers and the people responsible for games are considered to be proper geeks and nerds. And they usually are guys who love nothing more than being hidden away in a dark room in front of a computer. But did you know that one of the most popular video games was developed by a woman? Carol Shaw, a full-time employee of Atari, designed and developed the 3D version of Tic Tac Toe in 1979.

Qualifications

There are several qualifications needed when you want to become a game programmer, most of which are found in natural sciences. As a rule, you will need two or three A-levels, for example, in graphic design, computer animation, or video programming and development, to qualify for a university degree. If you want to complete an appropriate college course or apprenticeship, you need high GCSE pass grades (9 to 4/A* to C) which must include English and natural sciences.

Your hard skills should furthermore include a basic knowledge of programming languages like C++, C#, and Java, and a high knowledge of APIs, AI, 3D animation, and multiplayer/networking, to name but a few. Moreover, you should be familiar with so-called shading languages like HLSL and GLSL, and integrated development environments (IDEs).

Skills

Most of the skills needed to excel in game programming are IT-heavy, ranging from numerical skills to complex thinking. Let’s take a look at some of the competencies you will benefit from the most when you want to become a game programmer. Oh, and please do not forget to check all browsed job posts for the skills required by your future employer.

Design Skills

Long gone are the days of Pacman which had a very basic design and set-up (but which is still one of the most popular computer games). Today, games tend to have real-life qualities which require strong and life-like designs. After all, when you play FIFA, you do not want Ronaldo or Kane to resemble Pacman. Therefore, you need strong design skills when you want to perform an excellent game programmer job. You need to know what works and you will have to gain the IT knowledge needed to make your game become a bestseller.

Problem-Solving Skills

Developing codes for a game can often throw up problems when algorithms and instructions do not do what they are supposed to do. In short, developing codes can be like a puzzle. Ideally, all pieces fit without problems. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Strong problem-solving skills are needed to overcome this challenge and not be stuck with a problem for too long.

Mathematical Skills

The background of a game can read like the Matrix – meaning that the hidden powers are binary codes and lots of numbers and calculations. If you are serious about becoming a game programmer, you absolutely must be a maths whizz. You need an in-depth understanding of the basic mathematical fields, such as algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. These are paramount when dealing with AI, graphics, and physics.

Career Path

The first step on your career path is your education where you can gain first work experience, either by doing an apprenticeship or an internship. In some cases, this first experience can be mandatory when you apply for your first job, for example, the job of a trainee game programmer. Keep in mind that IT qualifications may be required before you start working in game programming. With several years of experience – it depends on your employer’s promotion policy and how many years that are – you can look into advancing and becoming a senior game programmer, for instance.

Educational Background

Most employers prefer candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree, for example, a Bachelor’s degree in interactive media, computer sciences, or computer games development. Therefore, we recommend you look into a university course to gain an advantage when applying for a job. 

Then again, it can be equally possible that a future employer prefers a more hands-on educational approach. In this case, a higher apprenticeship software developer level 4 or game programmer level 7 would be a good option. 

As a third educational option, you can complete a college course, such as a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development, or a Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production Games Development.

Entry Level

As a rule, your entry-level job, for example, as a trainee game programmer, lasts for about a year. During this time, you apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained during your education. Ideally, you have a game programmer mentor who you work with closely. After all, insider tips are some of the most important knowledge you can have when working in game programming.

Continuous Learning

Your continuous learning can start well before you have secured your first job. As mentioned, IT qualifications can be mandatory when applying. These can include programming languages which we have already talked about, and game development frameworks and engines, such as Unity and/or Unreal engines, Godot, and CryEngine.

You further benefit from joining professional associations like the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA). Education-wise, you can think about doing a postgraduate degree, either a Master’s degree or a PhD in a computer- and programming-related subject. 

A Day in the Life of a Game Programmer

You will not be surprised when we tell you that most of your working day will take place in front of a computer. However, you do not know which tasks you will perform when working in game programming – or do you? Well, let’s find out what a day in the life of a game programmer in the UK can look like.

Algorithms

Algorithms can be both your best friend and your worst enemy when working in game programming. The numerical codes are instructions and the foundation of every game you plan, develop, and program. The shorter the algorithm, the simpler the instructions and the game code – and the longer, the more advanced. According to seasoned game programmers, algorithms are like a puzzle you need to solve daily to ensure progress and smooth processes. They are most certainly a major part of your working day – and if you cannot switch off, maybe even your dreams.

Non-Technical Meetings

Not everyone involved in the programming of a game is a tech whizz. Your clients who commission a game may be as far removed from gaming as the earth from the sun. Meetings with non-technical authorities can be a challenge since your clients do not always understand what parameters you are working with and which dictate the speed and success of your game programming. Nevertheless, they will be part of your working life – but usually, not a daily occurrence.

Code Testing

You have spent most of your day developing codes for a game. Towards the end of the day, you can spend some time testing said codes. This is an important task since it reveals potential hitches, for example, bugs that slow down or block parts of your game. In case of bugs, you then need to debug, meaning that you will spend more time rewriting your codes.

Tips for Thriving as a Game Programmer

Algorithms, codes, qualifications, skills – your head must be positively swimming with the information we have already provided. Since we want you to make a considered decision on your future career and obviously also want you to thrive, we conclude this blog with three tips to improve your professional and personal competencies:

• Think about specialisations
• Attend gaming events
• Learn meditation

Think about Specialisations

Game programming can be way more than writing the relevant codes and coming up with algorithm-based instructions. How about looking into specialisations in this field? The advantage of niche expertise can improve your job and career chances. Here are some options for you to consider: artificial intelligence (AI) which is getting ever more important, or 3D animation of people, animals, and objects. Besides, you can consider becoming a language programmer which can be interesting if you have a knack for languages.

Attend Gaming Events

The gaming community is another port of call when you want to thrive in your job. Therefore, you must attend gaming events which we are sure is something you enjoy doing anyway. Here, you can update yourself on the latest developments in game programming, for example, new IT tools that should be a part of your skill set. Attending gaming events allows you to meet up with like-minded people and network.

Learn Meditation

Being a game programmer can be a high-pressure job – especially, when you have to work towards a deadline. Let’s take Christmas, for example. Even though your game is supposed to be under a tree, you need to finish it months in advance for it to gain enough popularity and momentum to actually sell. Unfortunately, your clients may not always understand the work and time needed to finish on time. This, in turn, can cause you stress which obviously is not a healthy thing. Meditation can be a good way to deal with your job’s challenges. And if that is not your thing, you can look into other ways that help you switch off from your working day.

Frequently Asked Questions