Game Programmer Job Description, Salary, Skills & Software

What does a game programmer do?

Game programmer is a general term applied to the computer engineers that work on computer games. Usually trained in the basic languages of computer programming, programmers make a game come to life. They may specialize in areas of coding such as graphics, AI, sound, scripting, user interface, network, tools, porting, etc.

A strong knowledge of coding and the various platforms is vital to becoming a Game Programmer. They are a key part of the development team taking technical resources throughout the production process, ensuring that at the end of the process the game functions effectively. For more info, why not check out our guide on what is game programming?

Game programmer job description

The role of the game programmer is to develop the software to create video games. This involves assembling the platforms and engines that will power the games, as well as writing code for custom software to support the unique requirements of games.

Game Programmers work closely with game designers and developers during the video game pipeline process, setting up the game engine and ensuring that the production runs smoothly. A large part of their role is problem solving, so a firm knowledge of gaming software is required to help bring the game to life.

Creating prototypes that will act as a proof of concept is a crucial early stage of the production pipeline. Programmers will gain a better understanding of the limits of the game and how to iron out bugs throughout the process. To find out more on the differences between game development and game programming, check out our guide!

Designers and developers rely on the programmers to deliver the best version of the game possible to thrive in competitive markets.

Role & responsibilities of a game programmer in the gaming industry:

Liaising with game designers and developers in setting up technical resources
Researching and developing the suite of software and platforms that will be used to support the game
Ensuring the game design is fully realized and performs to maximum capacity
Creating procedures and production documents
Working to tight schedules and keep to budget
Producing prototypes in the early stages of production
Conducting quality assurance tests and respond to feedback
Collaborating with all departments to smooth over technical issues, problem solve and create solutions during the production pipeline process
Responding to the technical needs of all departments
Working in teams towards common goals
Providing ongoing tech support after the game has been launched, work on upgrades to the game

How much does a game programmer make?

The average salary for a game programmer will range from USD $65,000 for a junior position to USD $112,000+ for a senior position. (Source: Glassdoor)

To learn more about this field, visit: The Game Development Process: How Video Games are Made

65k Jnr. programmer

$112k Snr. programmer

Skills required to become a video game programmer

Game Programmers will usually have a background in computer science or computer programming, specializing in the needs and demands of game production. In the quality assurance phases, the games will be pushed to their limits, the programmers need to ensure the game is resilient enough to withstand maximal gameplay.

Video game studios may look for the following skills in game programmers:

Training in computer science or computer programming
Problem solving skills
Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation software
Familiar with the game production pipeline process
Passion for video games and experience with gaming
Interpersonal skills to deal with creative and production teams
Team player, ability to work independently
Analytical mindset
Able to keep on schedule and meet deadlines
Good communication skills
Creative problem-solving skills
Expert knowledge of technical and software advancements in the gaming industry
Knowledge of gaming genres and trends

TOUCH

Maya is a comprehensive 3D animation software used for creating detailed models, animations, and visual effects. It's popular in film, TV, and game development for its powerful tools.

TOUCH

3ds Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

TOUCH

Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games, first showcased in the 1998 first-person shooter video game Unreal

TOUCH

Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and published by Adobe for Windows and macOS. It was created in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll

TOUCH

Nuke is a node-based digital compositing and visual effects application first developed by Digital Domain and used for television and film post-production

TOUCH

Unity is a cross-platform game engine developed by Unity Technologies, first announced and released in June 2005 at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference

How to become a game Programmer

Here are some sure-fire strategies to help increase your chances of getting a job in game programming.

Get the skills

Look at game studio job ads to see the skills they’re hiring for. Then build those skills: download and learn relevant software, watch online tutorials, or enroll in an industry-focused course.

Stay ahead of trends

Seek out online tutorials, webinars, conferences, publications, and other game programming content to remain informed. See our resource section.

Create your own games

A great way to understand the rigors of game dev and showcase your talent and basic grasp of game production for potential recruiters.

Participate in game jams

A team challenge to produce a game in 24–72 hours, with participants taking on various roles. Gain experience, collaborate, and work towards a deadline. Use the final product in your reel.

Engage with communities

Building connections is vital to getting your name and skills recognized, and a chance to interact with industry pros who can offer advice or even jobs.

Intern at a game studio

Not always a viable option, but it can be a great way of gaining hands-on experience while also networking.

Where to find game programming internships:

2K
2k.com/en-US/jobs
ACTIVISION
careers.activision.com/students
BANDAI NAMCO
bandainamcoent.com/careers
BLIZZARD
careers.blizzard.com/global/en/internships
EA
ea.com/careers/interns-and-university-graduates
EPIC GAMES
epicgames.com/site/en-US/earlycareers
FAST TRAVEL GAMES careers.fasttravelgames.com/#jobs
IO INTERACTIVE
ioi.dk/careers
MICROSOFT
careers.microsoft.com/us/en/gamingjobs

ORBITAL KNIGHT
orbitalknight.com/careers
RIOT GAMES
riotgames.com/en/university-programs
ROBLOX
careers.roblox.com
ROCKSTAR GAMES
rockstargames.com/careers
RESPAWN ENTERTAINMENT
respawn.com/internships
ROVIO
rovio.com/interns
SEGA
recruit.sega.jp/en/internship
SUPERCELL
supercell.com/en/careers
THE FARM 51
thefarm51.com/eng/careers

Tips to break into the game programming industry

Use the networking opportunities available to programmers and game devs to build up your contacts. This can be one of the best ways to get a job. Searching online, you can find many industry meetups and events, which often include guest speakers like professional artists and software creators. The knowledge gained by listening to these types of guest speakers talk about their personal experiences is irreplaceable.

Don't for get to check out our interview with Ubisoft AI programmer Firas Hosn.

Get a QA job

Kick-start your career with a job in Quality Assurance. Expand your gaming knowledge by testing and pushing in-production games to their limits.

Collaborate with peers

Working with your peers is fun, you can learn from each other and tackle bigger projects.

Industry Pathways

Will Masek, Mentor of Game Programming at CG Spectrum, shares how he went from writing game reviews as a child to studying game development and going on to gigs like Rebellion Developments and Firespite, on the on the Sniper Elite series and Horizon franchise.

Game Programmer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What does a game programmer do?