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Games Developer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Games Developer in the UK is responsible for designing, developing, and releasing video games across various platforms, including PC, console, mobile, and VR. This career is multifaceted and can involve a range of specialisations, from programming core game mechanics and artificial intelligence to designing user interfaces, creating captivating narratives, or building intricate 3D environments. Developers often work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with artists, designers, producers, and quality assurance testers to bring a game from concept to completion. Key tasks typically include writing and debugging code in languages such as C++ or C, using game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, implementing game features, and optimising performance. Beyond the technical aspects, a Games Developer also needs to possess strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work effectively under pressure and often to tight deadlines. The industry is constantly evolving, so continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and trends are crucial for success.

Games Developer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

The typical salary for a Games Developer in the UK can vary significantly based on experience and specialisation. An entry-level developer might expect to earn around 20,000 to 28,000 GBP per year, while experienced developers with several years under their belt could command 35,000 to 55,000 GBP. Highly experienced or lead developers, particularly in senior roles or with niche skills, can earn 60,000 GBP or more, sometimes exceeding 80,000 GBP in major studios.

Number of Positions in the UK

The UK games industry is robust and growing. As of 2023, there were over 2,500 active games companies in the UK, employing approximately 20,000 people directly in development roles. This figure reflects a strong and dynamic sector, continually seeking new talent across various specialisms.

Industry Growth

The UK games industry is a significant contributor to the digital economy, with the sector contributing an estimated 2.9 billion GBP to the UK economy in 2022. It has seen consistent growth over recent years, offering promising career prospects for those looking to enter the field.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Gameplay Programmer

Focuses on bringing game designs to life by coding core mechanics, player interactions, and game logic. This role often involves working with physics engines, AI, and user input systems.

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Tools Programmer

Develops and maintains the software tools used by other developers (artists, designers, animators) to create game content. This includes creating custom editors, pipeline integrations, and workflow enhancements to boost productivity.

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Level Designer

Responsible for creating the environments, challenges, and experiences within a game. This involves using level editing software, scripting events, placing assets, and ensuring engaging gameplay flow for players.

Build Your Foundation

Master Core Programming

Develop strong proficiency in relevant programming languages and computer science fundamentals.

For games development, C++ is often considered the industry standard, especially for high-performance engines like Unreal Engine. Python is also valuable for scripting and tooling, and C# is essential for Unity development. Focus on data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and debugging techniques. Online courses, university modules, and personal projects are excellent ways to solidify this knowledge.

Understand Game Design Principles

Learn the theory behind what makes games fun, engaging, and well-structured.

This involves studying concepts such as player psychology, user experience (UX), level design, narrative structure, game mechanics, and balancing. Reading books by renowned game designers, playing a wide variety of games critically, and even designing paper prototypes can help you grasp these fundamental principles. Understanding 'why' certain games succeed or fail is crucial.

Familiarise with Game Engines

Get hands-on experience with industry-standard game development engines.

Unity and Unreal Engine are the two most dominant engines in the industry. Download them for free, follow tutorials, and start building small projects. Understand their interfaces, scripting capabilities, asset pipelines, and how to deploy basic games. This practical experience is invaluable for demonstrating your technical abilities and understanding of the game development workflow.

Gain Practical Experience

Develop Personal Projects

Create small, complete games from start to finish to apply your learned skills.

Start with simple concepts like a 'Pong' clone, a 'Flappy Bird' style game, or a basic platformer. Focus on finishing these projects, even if they're not perfect. This process will teach you problem-solving, project management, and how to overcome technical challenges. Each finished project is a valuable addition to your portfolio.

Contribute to Game Jams

Participate in timed events where you develop a game from scratch, often with a theme.

Game Jams (like Ludum Dare or Global Game Jam) are fantastic for rapid prototyping, teamwork, and working under pressure. They force you to make decisions quickly and often expose you to different roles within a small team. Even if your game isn't polished, the experience and the finished prototype are excellent for your portfolio and networking.

Collaborate on Team Projects

Work with other aspiring developers, artists, and designers on larger game projects.

Joining a team, whether through university projects, online forums, or local meetups, simulates a real development environment. It helps you develop communication skills, learn version control (like Git), and understand how different disciplines integrate. Being a good team player is just as important as technical skill in a collaborative industry like games development.

Enter the Industry

Build a Professional Portfolio

Curate your best projects to showcase your skills and potential to employers.

Your portfolio should be a website or online repository (e.g., GitHub, Itch.io) that clearly presents your games, demonstrating your specific contributions to each. Include screenshots, videos, and a brief description of the project, highlighting your role, the technologies used, and the challenges you overcame. Quality over quantity is key here.

Network with Professionals

Connect with people already working in the games industry.

Attend industry events, career fairs, and local meetups (online or in-person). Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and developers. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights and advice. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find otherwise and give you a better understanding of the industry's landscape.

Apply for Junior Roles or Internships

Seek entry-level positions to gain professional experience within a studio.

Look for Junior Developer, Graduate Programmer, or Internship roles. Be prepared for technical interviews and coding tests. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each specific role and company, emphasising how your skills and projects align with their requirements. An internship can be an excellent stepping stone, often leading to full-time employment.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Games Developer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Games Developer specifically designs and programs computer games, which directly aligns with the duties of a Computer games developer. This is the most precise match available.

How to become

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 design
  • 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

You'll usually need:

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

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College

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

Courses include:

  • computing
  • creative media and games development
  • T Level in Digital Software Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Higher Apprenticeship to get into this career, such as:

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

Foundation apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a junior or assistant developer role by doing a Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship.

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

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

You'll usually need a computing qualification or some relevant work experience. Employers will also be interested in your talent and creative ideas.

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Career tips

You can create a portfolio of work or online demo to highlight your skills to potential employers.

You can get information on how to start creating your own games from Into Games.

You can also search for games companies and educational institutions, offering courses in digital gaming, on the UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) games map.

Further information

You can get more advice about working in games development from ScreenSkills and Into Games.

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