1. Programmer!
!Key Information!
!Programmers are the core mechanic to the game development process. Their job includes designing and writing
computer code that runs and controls the game, they also test the code and fix bugs and develop customised tools for
the other members of the development team to use. Different platforms have particular programming requirements and
there are various specialisms within programming, such as physics programming, AI, 3D engine development, interface
and control system. !
!Games development is an increasingly complex process and large teams of Programmers might be involved in creating
a AAA game, some in leadership roles, some working on just one aspect. Programmers are employed by development
studios - publisher owned and independent. The work is office based and the atmosphere is usually informal, it can be a
highly pressurised job and Programmers often work very long hours, especially in the crunch period before the release
date. !
!What is the job?!
!The Lead Programmer translates the design into a technical specification for the game and then delegates tasks to the
programming team. Some wok as general Programmers on a whole range of tasks, often working with code that other
Programmers have written. !
Job Titles Include:!
!• Games Programmer!
• Tools Programmer !
• AI Programmer!
• Middleware Programmer!
!Typical Career Routes!
!Programmers in the games industry are usually game enthusiasts and many start off by programming as a hobby. Most
new entrants to the industry are graduates, some university courses have links with game development studios and
organise work placements. Job applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge of games and an understanding of
what games a game work, often by submitting samples of a game programming they have developed themselves.!
!Essential Knowledge & Skills!
!Programmers must be systematic and highly organised, able to work on their own initiative and also with the rest of the
team. All programmers start off being able to programme in C++. !
Key Skills Include:!
!• Ability to write in C, C++ and other languages. !
• Specific platform experience e.g. PS2, DirectX.!
• Good understanding of game play.!
• Ability to work independently as part of a team.!
• Ability to take instruction and work to deadlines.!
• Creativity and problem solving skills.!
• Patience. !
!Example!
!Jonathan Blow is an independent game programmer and designer which is most commonly known for his game Braid.
Blow studied computer science and creative writing at the University of California, Berkeley; He worked in San Francisco
in various tech jobs until forming the game design company Bolt-Action Software with Bernt Habermeier at the age of 24,
which later folded due to debt. Braid, after 3 years of development was released on August 8, 2008 and achieved
financial success, receiving an aggregate score of 93% - the game had 55,000 download’s in the first week.