Games developer
Create code for games – your creations could be played by millions of people!
Also known as: video games developer, games programmer
About the job
What it's like
Are you a tech-savvy person, who lives and breathes gaming? As a games developer, you'll create code and tests for all sorts of games. Who knows, you may work on the next global success like Tetris or Minecraft!
You'll help produce games for PCs, games consoles, the internet and mobile phones. Games developers will sometimes build new games or make exciting updates to existing titles.
A game can take several months or even years to produce. There are lots of stages before a game is released, from creating ideas and characters to programming and testing.
Your tasks might include:
creating and refining how the game works – rules, interactions, controls and player experience
using programming languages to build the game’s functionality
working closely with game designers, artists, sound engineers and writers to make sure technical solutions support the creative vision
identifying then fixing bugs, performance issues and gameplay problems
importing and programming visual elements, audio, animations and other media into the game engine
making sure the game runs smoothly across different platforms
There are a few areas of games development you could specialise in:
Artist – create the game's visual characters, objects and scenery. You'll produce concept art, drawings and storyboards at the planning stage
Animator – bring the characters, objects and scenery to life with computer modelling and animation software during the production stage
Programmer – create the code to make the game work. You'll specialise in developing graphics, artificial intelligence (AI) or gameplay software
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
ScreenSkills – explore creative roles and how you can break into the industry
Medium article – A Peek into the Routine of Game Developers
ScreenSkills – learn how to build a games portfolio
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Games developer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- sorting
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Computing Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Graphic Communication
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most games developers have a degree, but there are a few ways you can get into the role.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Computer Games Development
Computer Games Technology
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Games Design and Production
Animation
Mathematics
Physics
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure an entry-level job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Computer Games Development
Computer Science
Interactive Media
3D Computer Animation
Computer Arts
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Creative Media.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in IT: Software Development.
Some university and college courses will ask to see a portfolio. So, you should pull together a body of work that highlights your software skills.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Games developer'
