Computer games developer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• computer games technology
• 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:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course before a higher level qualification. It might help you to get a trainee position with a company.

Courses you could take include:

• A level in Computing
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
• Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production Games Development

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You could do one of the following Higher Apprenticeships to get started in this role:

• Software Developer Level 4
• Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
• Game Programmer Level 7

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a games tester  if you play a lot of games.

You'll usually need an IT qualification or some relevant work experience. Employers will be interested in your talent and creativity.

You may also find it helps to have A levels or a diploma in relevant subjects like computing or media production.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to write computer code
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to use your initiative
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• operations analysis skills
• customer service skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Computer game developers create video games for phones, tablets, PCs and consoles.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• work in a team with designers and artists
• decide what a game will look like and how it can be played
• develop your own ideas or work from an existing idea
• create concept art, drawings or storyboards at the planning stage
• create code to programme the game
• test and debug code
• use computer modelling and animation software to make characters and scenes
• add sound effects

Location : You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £70,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience you could become a senior developer, producer or technical director.

You could increase your income a lot if you develop a successful game on your own.