what is a game developer?
A game developer is a professional who 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 development, you 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 elements that human players cannot manipulate move and perform other actions to facilitate the game.
what does a game developer do?
A game developer designs various game formats on multiple platforms, including wireless applications, games consoles and mobile phones. It is also essential to understand the stages of game development like designing, programming, audio effects, animation, production and editing. Since you work as part of a team, you can specialise in a specific area of game development.
game developer careersaverage game developer salary
As a game developer in Australia, you earn an average salary of $100,000 per year. Entry-level positions attract a remuneration package of $90,000 annually. When you are experienced, you earn over $110,000 yearly. The remuneration package depends on your experience and proficiency in programming languages. Your employer and the location of the company also influence your remuneration package.
how to increase your salary as a game developer
When you are a game developer, most employers focus on your skills and expertise rather than your qualifications. Hence, having an extensive portfolio or years of work experience improves your remuneration prospects. Specific skills like proficiency in programming languages can help you negotiate a higher salary.
The company you work for also influences your earnings. For instance, when you work for a significant company, you are likely to earn more than game developers working for small start-ups. Working in metro areas has better remuneration prospects compared to working in smaller cities. There is a high demand for game developers in metro areas with large technology companies.
Want to know what you will earn as a game developer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of game developers
As a game developer, you can specialise in the following areas of development:
- content design: as a game developer, 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 the features to be incorporated.
- 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 tools to add to a fighting game.
- level design: your job is to create an environment for the game's characters and the visual and narrative themes that draw players into the game. To make the gameplay engaging, you determine the game's setting, which can be anything from galaxies and celestial themes to mining or farmland environments. 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
Working as a game developer is a fulfilling career with promising prospects. Discover the daily duties, work schedule and career outlook of the role.
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game developer job description
Specific tasks depend on the project and the type of game you are working on, but some standard duties of a game developer include the following:
- understanding the game concept: every game starts with an idea before going through the development process. Therefore, when the concept artist creates the sketches and visual elements, you familiarise yourself with the game's concepts, tone and storyline.
- crafting a prototype: from the initial concept and storyline, you develop a functional prototype that showcases the gameplay. While the game is unfinished, it 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 to make a playable version. The vertical slice is the game preview for pitching the idea to investors and publishing studios.
- editing and cleaning up the game: when the initial development is complete, you test the game's functionality to ensure a seamless user experience. You can remove unnecessary content or add the artwork to improve the game's appearance.
- maintenance and checking for errors: after production, you check the game to ensure it runs smoothly. It is also crucial to check for bugs and upgrade the game to improve the user experience.
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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 wear formal clothing in the office. Some game developers work remotely and only visit the office for meetings or conferences. While the job doesn't involve travelling, sometimes you pitch a game concept to investors or attend events.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include software engineers, game designers, and software developers. You might also be working close to mobile developers and game testers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, project managers, technical directors, ux designers, web developers, and web designers.
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work schedule
Game developers work regular office hours from 9 am to 5 pm. 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, but you can also work part-time and find freelance or short-term contracts. It would be best to have years of experience working in full-time positions before becoming a freelancer.
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job outlook
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, branch out and specialise in a specific area of game development. For instance, some developers become game artists, sound technicians, game producers or game testers. Regardless of your specialism, you will end up in a leading role in a development team. Self-employment is also a possibility when you have years of experience.
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advantages of finding a game developer job through randstad
Finding your game developer job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a game developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
To become a game developer, you don't require formal educational qualifications. However, the following academic qualifications improve your job prospects:
- complete a qualification focusing on game development: some employers prefer working with game developers with a computer science background. However, you can start with a Certificate IV in information technology and specialise in gaming development. Alternatively, complete an information technology diploma or a software development bachelor's degree.
- gain experience: you require experience to work as a game developer. You can gain experience through internships and entry-level jobs. It is also essential to stay updated with programming languages and gaming engines to remain competitive.
game developer skills and competencies
Some of the skills and qualities of a game developer include:
- programming language proficiency: learning coding as a game developer is crucial. Building computer and video games requires high-level coding skills and proficiency in various programming languages to improve your work outcomes. The programming languages often depend on the games you want to create. For instance, computer games require knowledge of C++, while mobile games need Java.
- creativity: a game developer is creative, with the artistic skills to create unique and engaging games for the market. Creative skills help you develop visually attractive games by incorporating exciting themes or animations to entertain and engage players.
- problem-solving skills: as a game developer, your problem-solving skills help you deal with various problems during video game production. For instance, testing and correcting bugs takes time, and without problem-solving skills, you may spend hours resolving a minor issue.
- visual storytelling skills: unique and visually appealing games encourage players to keep playing. Storytelling skills come in handy when developing the characters and incorporating the themes. Humour and suspense engage players and immerse them in the game.
- 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 prioritise tasks to complete the game
FAQs about working as a game developer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the game developer profession.
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what are the duties of a game developer?
As a game developer, you design visually appealing games to meet clients' needs. Your duties include constructing the game engine or the base where the game will run. You also produce prototypes, develop schedules and determine milestones. As a game developer, you generate game scripts and storyboards and build animated characters for the game.
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what skills do you require to be a game developer?
As a game developer, your teamwork skills enable you to collaborate with others during the game design process. You also rely on problem-solving skills to handle problems that arise during game development. Since the characters should be unique and attractive, you rely on creativity to develop exceptional games.
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is working as a game developer hard?
Game development is an enjoyable but often challenging career. Many projects need to be completed due to the complexity of the tasks. You also spend months dealing with minor issues like fine-tuning the design or dealing with bugs.
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is a game developer a promising career?
Video game development is a coveted career, especially for video game enthusiasts. The role is lucrative, with good salaries and promising career prospects. You also build your skills as you work on various projects.
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how do I become a game developer?
If you enjoy programming, you are on the right path to becoming a game developer. However, you may need computer science and software development training to improve your skills.
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how do I apply for a game developer vacancy?
Applying for a game developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
