1. Game Programmer
Game Programmers design and write the computer code that runs and controls the
game, incorporating and adapting any ready-made code libraries and writing custom
code as required. They test the code and fix bugs, and also develop customised tools for
use by other members of the development team.
Different platforms have particular programming requirements and there are also various
specialisms within programming. Large teams of Programmers might be involved in
creating a game, some in leadership roles, some working on just one aspect.
Programmers are employed by development. They also work for middleware producers.
Programmers might also work for localisation companies which translate and re-version
games for different territories. There are many different programming roles.
Job titles include: Games programmer; Tools programmer; AI programmer; Middleware
programmer. The Lead Programmer translates the design into a technical specification
for the game and then delegates tasks to the programming team:
• General programmers work on a whole range of tasks, often working with code that
other Programmers have written.
• Programmers with specific tasks, might work on physics (e.g. programming movable
objects so that they appear to obey the laws of gravity, etc.)
• Specialist tools programmers identify and design any custom tools which may be
needed, perhaps by the Artists or Level Editors, then build them to an agreed
specification.
The Programmers create different 'builds' of a game, liaising with the QA Testers to fix
any bugs identified at each stage. They might also work with a Localisation Manager to
create versions of the game for different platforms and territories.
Identify three key qualities to succeed at this Job Role

2. • be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
• have good communication skills
• be able to take instruction and work to deadlines
Explain two alternative approaches to entering this Job Role
Give an example of the contribution made by someone in this Job Role in one AAA game and/or one
Indie Game
Andrew Heywood –
“I took part in the Dare to be Digital competition. My team, The Frozen North, won
"Product with Greatest Market Potential" for our dance-mat based educational game,
Primary Steps.
Immediately after that, I went to work at Outerlight in my home town of Edinburgh. I was
basically thrown straight in at the deep end, starting work on The Ship just as it went into
full production; it was released 9 months later to great reviews and a small, dedicated fan
base.
I spent the next two and a half years working on supporting The Ship, my dissertation,
and then the sequel to The Ship, which is yet to see the light of day.”