specification

Technical Development Programmer/Lead Programmer

This is the sample message I sent to different Games studios/companies. I did this to gather any primary information necessary to help get an understanding of the job role. I sent this email to as many contacts I could within the time I had. Here are some other contacts which I sent emails to in order to gain information from people with experience.

Most of these companies/studios are very successful and will probably take a while to get a reply from, however the most informative source of info would come from the internet (secondary info).


Applying for Jobs

How to get into programming or pathways into the job

many start off by programming as a hobby, university courses have links with game development studios and organise work placements, should be able to demonstrate knowledge of games and an understanding of what makes a game work, often by submitting samples of game programming they have developed themselves. Programmers usually start off in junior positions performing general programming tasks, before specialising or moving into leadership roles

. All Programmers start off being able to programme in C++. They then go on to develop other skills, depending on their chosen specialism. Key Skills

Applying for jobs within the games industry can usually be hard; this is because lots of other people with sets of skills may have more experience. An easy way to apply for a job would be the company’s website. Some big companies may be hiring as well for example Infinity Ward. This company in particular give you several categories to choose from. Also there Job search site (pictured below) gives you different locations of where they are located.


After selecting your job the company will give you a specification or something’s they will expect from you. This can be from the skills, experience, personal qualities of a programmer to qualifications you need to get in the job.

More about the job

A game programmer is a software engineer, programmer, or computer scientist who primarily develops codebase for video games or related software, such as game development tools. Game programming has many specialized disciplines all of which fall under the umbrella term of "game programmer". A game programmer should not be confused with a game designer, who works on game design.

They design and write the computer code that runs and controls the game, incorporating and adapting any readymade code libraries and writing custom code as needed. They test the code and fix bugs, and they also develop customised tools for use by other members of the development team. Different platforms (games consoles, PCs, handhelds, mobiles, etc.) have particular programming requirements and there are also various specialisms within programming.

It’s an increasingly complex process and 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 studios – publisher owned and independent - cross platform graphics rendering, game physics, sound management, AI, and other specialist tools.

A programmer would have to learn different programming languages in order to programme. Java

or C# or C++ (OOP, and quite important to get a job these days) are the main types of languages you

would need to know.

Types of programming

There are different types of programmers within the games industry:

Game engine programmer

Physics engine programmer

Artificial intelligence programmer

Sound programmer


Gameplay programmer

Scripter

UI programmer

Input programmer

Network programmer

Game tools programmer

Porting programmer

Technology programmer

Generalist

Lead game programmer

Each job requires different sets of skills for example an AI programmer develops the logic of the game to simulate intelligence in enemies and opponents, whereas the lead programmer is ultimately in charge of all programming for the game. Together the game produced will be complete and professional as each programmer has to contribute to an area in the game.

Experience needed

Notably, there are many game programmers with no formal education in the subject, having started out as hobbyists and doing a great deal of programming on their own, for fun, and eventually succeeding because of their aptitude and homegrown experience. However, most job solicitations for game programmers specify a bachelor's degree (in mathematics, physics, computer science, "or equivalent experience").

Increasingly, universities are starting to offer courses and degrees in game programming. Any such degrees should offer a well-rounded education that includes all the fundamentals of software engineering

Required skills

To become a programmer, employers will be looking for the following skills:

• In depth knowledge in one or more programming languages (e.g. PHP, .NET, HTML, C++, etc.)• Ability to quickly learn about new IT packages and techniques• Enjoy problem solving• Good technical writing skills• Ability to explain complex information in a clear manner• Be able to work as an individual and as part of a team• Be able to work to tight deadlines• Work in a logical manner

Entry requirements

Most employers will be looking for you to have a degree or equivalent qualification to become a programmer. It’s also essential for you to have qualifications in one or more programming languages such as C++ or Visual Basic. The languages you can use will often define the programming role you can work in. However, a many languages are similar, it’s possible to update your knowledge, which will open up more employment possibilities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University


You can start in a more junior IT role, such as working on a helpdesk. From here, you can build up skills and experience to become a Programmer.

To help build up your qualifications, there is a range of courses available to you, including BTECs in Computer Studies or IT, SQAs in IT, NVQs and SVQs and specialist IT, computer and programming degrees.