Games Developer

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Game developers are responsible for the design, creation and production of computer and video games. Games developers design and produce games for PCs, videos, internet, mobile devices and games consoles. The work could involve making new games or updating existing titles. They work with a team of people including animators, 3D artists, software developers, digital video-sound editors and testers during the game development process. Game developers mayFuture Growth Very Strong specialise in a particular type of platform such as games for Nintendo, Xbox or Playstation, or games that can be played on PCs, tablets and mobile devices and a particular aspect of game development, such as programming artificial intelligence or gameplay.

ANZSCO ID & Description: 261211: Designs and develops digital assets for video and computer games using multimedia software and programming languages.

Alternative names: Electronic Game Developer, Digital Game Developer

Specialisations: Specialisation is common in the industry, although games developers sometimes perform a combination of roles.

  • Author-based Programmer,

  • Computer-based Graphic Designer,

  • Digital Video-sound Editor,

  • Instructional Designer.

 


Knowledge, skills and attributes

​A game developer needs:

  • to be passionate about using and developing computer gaming software programs and technologies

  • creative flair and strong designing abilities

  • an aptitude for solving complex technical problems

  • the ability to perform under pressure

  • good communication skills

  • a logical approach to problem-solving

  • flexibility and adaptability

  • to not be colour-blind

  • to be able to work individually and as part of a team.

Games Developer
(Source: WCCF Tech)

 

Duties and Tasks

Games developers may perform the following tasks:

  • draw up detailed design documentation, including charts and diagrams that outline the various concepts and components involved

  • modify and document the programme code to correct errors

  • test the game and make amendments to enhance its capabilities

  • prepare digital graphics, animations, sound, video, photographs and images for editing

  • decide what the game will look like and how it will be played

  • develop a detailed concept design, including outlining all of the components and concepts involved

  • work with a team that may include designers, animators and programmers to build and test the game

  • prepare sound, video, graphics and other images for editing into the game

  • modify the design or game as necessary based on testing

  • make sure that the game is optimised for different digital media

  • ensure that the project keeps to the required deadline.

  • combine structural, mechanical and artistic elements into the game's environment, such as buildings, vehicles and decorative finishes.

Working conditions

​Game developers work in an office environment and generally work on game design projects with other team members. They usually work business hours, however, developing a video or computer game is a lengthy process and game developers may work overtime (evenings and on weekends) during a project to meet deadlines. You could be based in an office or a studio, depending on your role. You would spend most of your time sitting at a computer.

In a larger company, you may work in a games development team with artists, programmers, producers and marketing staff. In a small company, you may do a wide variety of these roles yourself. As a self-employed contractor, you might develop the entire game.


Tools and technologies

Game developers use computers, specialist software programs, graphics, and audio and sound equipment in the process of developing video and computer games.

Your choice of software tools and programming languages will strongly depend on the platforms being developed for. Developers who produce code for browser-based games may use scripting and coding languages like JavaScript, Flash ActionScript, Java, HTML and CSS. Games that run on dedicated game consoles or smart phones will often have specific programming languages required for each platform. A variety of programming languages and developer environments can be used to produce games for desktop computers. There are also stand-alone game development suites which can compile games for a wide variety of platforms at once.

Games Developer mobile game
(Source: SDSoL Technologies)

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a game developer you usually need to complete a qualification in game design, game development, interactive digital media or a related field.

The Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games, Diploma of Screen and Media [Animation and Games Design], Diploma of Interactive Digital Media, Diploma of Digital Media Technologies, Diploma of Software Development and the Advanced Diploma of Games Development are offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a degree majoring in game design, games software and production, games technology, digital design or a related field.

 

Employment Opportunities

Employment of developers in IT areas generally is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The rapid growth of online and mobile technology, and the strong appetite for entertainment in these areas, requires new applications continually.

 

Did You Know?

Interactive gaming is now as popular as watching TV or surfing the net with 68 per cent of all Australians playing video and computer games.

88 per cent of homes have a device for playing computer or video games.
(Source: Interactive Games & Entertainment Association)



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Games Developer

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager