Computer games developer
Computer game developers create video games for phones, tablets, PCs and consoles.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a games developer, you could work in a number of specialisms from gameplay programming to virtual reality (VR). You could:
- work with level designers and graphic artists
- decide what a game will look like and how it will be played
- create concept art, drawings or storyboards at the planning stage
- use computer modelling and animation software to make characters and scenes
- add audio and sound effects
- write code to programme the game
- fix problems and 'bugs' that testers have found
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio or in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a senior developer, producer or technical director.
If you have a lot of skills and experience, you could become a freelance developer, working on games for a number of different companies.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to write computer code
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- complex problem-solving skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
- computer games design
- computer games development
- computer science
- interactive media
- mathematics
If you'd like a job that includes game design as well as programming, you could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like animation or graphic design.
You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that includes a work placement.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could do a college course before moving on to a higher level qualification. It may help you to get a trainee position with a development company.
Courses include:
- computing
- creative media and games development
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do a Higher Apprenticeship to get into this role, such as:
- Software Developer Level 4
- Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
- Game Programmer Level 7
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could start with a company as a games tester if you play a lot of games.
You'll usually need a computing qualification or some relevant work experience. Employers will also be interested in your talent and creative ideas.
Career tips
You can create a portfolio of work or online demo to highlight your skills to potential employers.
You can get information on how to start creating your own games from Into Games.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in games development from ScreenSkills and Into Games.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.