D2 Game Development
Game developers make video games, as well as digital interactive experiences (like simulations, VR, AR, and interactive websites) and e-learning software. They use a range of computer applications like game engines, digital art suites, 3D modelling software, and digital audio production to create digital products. They create digital assets such as sprites, 3D models, animations, levels, music and sound effects and code actions and interactions to bring them to life in a game or simulation. They generally specialize in one area – coding, 2D art, 3D art, design, writing, marketing, quality control, or sound. They must know about games, but also the specific technical and artistic skills required to create them or their components.
Game developers generally work as salaried employees in full time positions, but part time positions are also available as well as freelancing. Jobs can be in offices, hybrid, or remote. Most salaried full-time positions are onsite with major studios with dozens to hundreds of employees. Most entry level jobs are remote for small, or indie, studios with only a handful of employees. Game developers make entertainment products to help amusing people, help them relax, but also inform, move, challenge or engage them. Games can be developed not just for entertainment, but information, training, or awareness.
Traits and Talents
Workers must be self-motivated and disciplined. Work can be very mentally challenging and requires a large amount of organization, concentration, problem solving and continual learning. Successful game developers aren’t just good gamers, they need to be diligent, tenacious, thoughtful and able to communicate ideas and define problems and needs. A strong artistic/creative side and a strong technical skill (programming, art, etc.) is needed to succeed in the very competitive industry. Good game developers need to work well with others with a keen ability to communicate with team members, document ideas, track tasks and keep things organized.
Education and Training
Secondary school graduation is assumed for any position in game development as the job requires significant literacy and numeracy skills. Post secondary training is recommended in computer science for programmers, or an art, sound or writing or design certificate or degree depending on the specialization desired. Hiring is often based on portfolios, so industry hopefuls should build a portfolio of projects or assets they have made or contributed to show off. Competitions like this one, and game jams, can be a great way to help build up a portfolio.
Job and Careers
Game Developers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Program player controls
- Design the user interface
- Create a character sprite
- Play balance a game system
- Write game lore
- Analyze player metrics
- Compose a soundtrack
- Design a level
- Compile a build for the quality assurance team
- Contribute to the game design document
- Do a postmortem after game launch
For projects such as:
- A web-based advertising game for a major consumer brand
- A promotional game for a new tv show
- Reinvent a classic arcade game
- Create a downloadable content extension for a popular online game
- Make a new console game to launch a franchise
- Update a mobile game for a new operating system version
Skills for Success
- The key Skills for Success for this career path are:
- Digital
- Creativity & Innovation
- Problem Solving
Sample Job Titles
- Game Developer
- Game Designer
- Game Programmer
- 2D Artist
- 3D Artist
- 3D Modeller
- Level Designer
- Composer
- Writer
- Playtester
Companies and Sectors
- Self-Employed
- Freelance
- Indie Game Studios
- AA Game Studios
- AAA Game Studios
- e-Learning Companies
- App/Mobile Development Companies
- Web Development Companies
- Advertising Companies