Video Game Developer

At a Glance
Video game developers design, make, and test video games.
16 Career Clusters
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Information Technology
Earnings
Typical Earnings Range: 35K - 100K
Level of Education
2-Year College or Technical Training
4-Year College or University
Core Tasks
Programmers write the computer code that controls gameplay
Graphic artists design characters, backgrounds, and other elements of a games look
Musicians and sound designers create music and sound effects
Writers develop plots, text, and dialogue
Producers and managers oversee the work
Attributes & Abilities
Creative
Work well as part of a team
Knowledge of current video games
An understanding of popular culture, entertainment, and technology
Marketing and business skills are helpful
Workplace
Employed by video game production companies, or are self-employed
Work on computers in offices or from home
Interact with programmers, artists, project managers, and others
Most work 9 to 10 hours a day, and weekend work is common
May travel to attend conferences
Job Description
Video game developers are involved in the complex process of creating entertaining and interactive video games.
This includes developing a story, designing the layout, writing the computer code, optimizing the artificial intelligence,
and creating music, graphics, and 3D animation sequences.

There are many kinds of video games: action-adventure, role-playing (traditional and multiplayer online), strategy,
interactive music, simulation, sports, and electronic board and card games, for example. There are also educational
games, designed to teach things like reading, math, and geography. Whatever the genre, a video game should have
an intriguing title, an introduction, music and sound effects, help screens, engaging graphics, a plot, different skill
levels, and a demo mode.

Video game developers may work exclusively in one area, such as programming or graphics, or they may work as
freelancers and create entire games on their own.

Programmers are at the heart of the operation. They need an extensive knowledge of computers, and it is their work
that enables the games to actually function. For example, they work out the mathematical equations that instruct the
computer to act like a human while youre playing the game.

Programmers also ensure that the on-screen action corresponds to stimulus from the keyboard, mouse, or other
game controller. When a player pushes the jump button on the controller, the appropriate character has to jump.
This is done using a code that ties the animation sequences into the games engine and control system.

Graphic artists or animators create the visual look of a video game. Up to 75% of a games budget may be spent on
graphics, as they are a crucial part of the finished product. This includes the background layout, the design and
animation of the characters, and moving special effects such as ocean waves or laser beams. One area of animators
expertise is making sure the characters movements are believable. How do their muscles move when they run? Can
they crouch or crawl? Do their facial expressions change?

Musicians or sound designers take care of the music during the introduction and throughout the game. They also
create sound effects, such as fighting noises and scary voices. Their role is often overlooked, but is quite important.
Without sound effects, the game environment will not seem realistic.

Writers develop the story for the video game and write the on-screen text, dialogue, and voiceovers. Sometimes they
write the script based on a plot that is given to them by the video game developer.

Producers or project managers oversee the entire operation (see the project manager profile for more information on
this role).
Working Conditions
Video game developers work for video game production companies or as self-employed freelancers. They work
indoors, in offices or studios. Freelance developers often work from their own homes.

People in this profession spend a great deal of time sitting in front of computers. However, developers also interact
with a large team of professionals, including programmers, artists, and project managers.

Most video game developers work 9 to 10 hours a day, 40 to 50 hours a week. Weekend work and overtime are
common in this industry, especially when a deadline is approaching.

Travel to conferences may be a required part of the job.
Earnings
Income varies widely for video game developers, depending on experience, talent, employer, and the role the
developer is playing.

Programmers working for large corporations may have the opportunity to make more money with less risk, but they
may not have the creative freedom that freelancers have. Artists and musicians working in video game development
generally earn less money than programmers and project managers.

Video game developers generally earn somewhere between $35,000 and $100,000 a year, though freelancers may
earn less. On the other hand, experienced and highly skilled developers can earn more than $100,000 a year.
New York Wages
Earnings and outlook information is not available for this occupation.
Education
FOR PROGRAMMERS:
Advanced computer programming skills are necessary to work as a programmer. These skills are usually developed
through a bachelors degree program in computer science or a related field. You must know programming languages
(such as C++) as well as assembly language. You should also have an in-depth training in graphics, operating
systems, platforms (PCs/Macs), and game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo).

FOR ANIMATION ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS / SOUND DESIGNERS:
Animation artists must have training in computer graphics programs and 3D animation programs. Musicians or sound
designers should have training in music, sound effects, and computer sound hardware and software. An associate or
bachelors degree in a related field, such as animation or audio engineering, is recommended for both positions.

FOR PRODUCERS / PROJECT MANAGERS:
You usually need experience in computer programming for one of these senior positions, including experience writing
code for computer applications. You must also have a good knowledge of video game programming in particular. A
bachelors degree in computer science, business, or a related field is a good idea.

FOR PLAY TESTERS:
Working as a play tester is one way to learn more about the field but usually does not lead to advancement without
further training. No formal training is necessary to be a tester.

For more detailed information, see the education sections of the computer programmer, computer animator,
musician, and project manager profiles.
Related College Programs
Game and Interactive Media Design
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
Computer Graphics
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
Digital Arts
Other Suggested Qualifications
If you want to work as video game developer, you must be creative and able to work as part of a team. Extensive
knowledge of current video games (that is, you must enjoy playing!) is highly recommended. You should have an
understanding of popular culturewhat kinds of games sell, what players likeand have a general exposure to
current entertainment and technology. Its also very helpful to have marketing and business skills.
Sample High School Program of Study
This Program of Study can serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as learners continue on a
career path. Courses listed within this plan are only recommended coursework and should be individualized to meet
each learners educational and career goals.
Programming and Software Development Information Technology
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
English/Language Arts
English/Language
Arts I
English/Language
Arts II
English/Language
Arts III
English/Language Arts IV
Math
Algebra I or
Geometry
Geometry or
Algebra II
Algebra II or Pre-
Calculus or
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus or
Trigonometry or AP
Calculus or Advanced Math
Science
Earth or Life or
Physical Science
Biology Chemistry Applied Physics
Social Studies/Sciences
World History U.S. History
Political Science

Economics
Career & Technical Courses
Introduction to
Information
Fundamentals of
Fundamentals of
Programming and
Software Development
Tools (Students are
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Technology

Information
Technology
Applications
Computer Systems Software
Development
encouraged to have an
internship/capstone
experience to reinforce
workplace skills.)
States Career Clusters Initiative, 2008, www.careerclusters.org.
Important
Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements.
Courses available may vary from school to school.
Sample Career Path
People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of how the
earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for someone in this
occupation.
Level 1
Sample Title Play Tester
Earnings $25,000 to $35,000 a year
Requirements Extensive knowledge of current video games
Responsibilities Testing new video games for playabilitythat is, whether the games work.
Level 2
Sample Title Junior Programmer
Level 2
Earnings $40,000 to $65,000 a year
Requirements Bachelors degree in computer science or a related area
Responsibilities Doing code work under the supervision of a senior programmer.
Level 3
Sample Title Senior Programmer
Earnings $75,000 to $100,000 a year
Requirements Experience as a junior programmer
Responsibilities Developing and designing code for video games.
Level 4
Sample Title Project Manager / Artistic and Technical Director
Earnings $70,000 to $125,000 a year
Requirements
Experience as a programmer
Business training or experience
Level 4
Responsibilities
Designing and implementing video game programs; overseeing a team of
designers; coordinating programming.
Related Careers
Here are some other occupations that you might be interested in. Click on an occupation name to learn more.
Animator
Cartoonist / Comic Illustrator
Computer Animator
Computer Programmer
Entrepreneur
Graphic Designer
IT Project Manager
Multimedia Developer
Producer
Web Developer
Website Designer
Webmaster
Career Clusters
Career Clusters are groups or families of occupations that share common characteristics such as knowledge
requirements, skill sets, and/or goals.
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Information Technology
National Employment by Industry
Industry % Employed
Self-Employed

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Source: O*Net Online, Browse by Industry, US Department of Labor
http://online.onetcenter.org/find/industry
Other Resources
GameDev.Net
This is an online community for game developers. The For Beginners section has links lots of articles and
advice for new developers.
http://www.gamedev.net
GameCareerGuide.Com
This site has news, features, and training information for students and educators in the game industry. The
Digital Counselor tool helps students learn about educational opportunities, and be sure to look through the
Jobs and Schools sections.
http://www.gamecareerguide.com
HowStuffWorks How Becoming a Video Game Designer Works
Read about the steps required to design a video game.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/video-game-designer.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics Careers in video game development
This document has great information about a variety of careers in video game development.
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2011/fall/art01.pdf
Digital Dreamer Become a Video Game Designer
Find out more about the outlook and requirements for a career in video game design.
http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/articles/becomeavideogamedesigner.htm
ZTGD Qualities of a Successful Game Designer
Discover the qualities that can help you achieve success as a video game designer.
http://www.ztgd.com/articles/qualities-of-a-successful-game-designer
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
This association represents video and computer game publishers and distributors. Click on Games:
Improving What Matters to learn more about the role of games in todays society.
http://www.theesa.com
International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
A resource for game developers worldwide.
http://www.igda.org
Click here to learn more about career paths in this industry:
http://archives.igda.org/breakingin
Art Career Project
This website aims to raise awareness about different careers in the art world. Click on Careers to browse
career possibilities, or click on Schools to find out about education. There are also interviews with
professionals in the Experts section.
http://www.theartcareerproject.com
Game Developers Conference
The online home of one of the major industry conferences.
http://www.gdconf.com