Computer Games Designer/Programmer

Producing a computer game involves people with creative skills and people with technical programming skills.

The games designer devises and designs new games, working from their own original ideas, or using concepts that have already been decided on. They design:

• the rules of the game
• the setting, or game world
• the characters
• the in-game objects like weapons, vehicles and other devices.

Within the programming department, there may be many subdivisions, with people specialising in artificial intelligence (AI), graphics rendering engine development, character control and gameplay programming.

Designers and programmers, working on top-of-the-range game titles, work in teams of designers, programmers, artists, animators, audio specialists and testers, and projects can cost millions of pounds, and take more than a year. They may work on a group of levels and collaborate with colleagues on the overall game.

In smaller companies, the role of designer, artist and programmer may overlap more, with the same few people involved in both the creative and the technical aspects of the work.

Games designers and programmers may work standard office hours. Many, though, work longer, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Salaries range from around £19,000 a year to up to £60,000.

Games designers and programmers should:

• have a thorough knowledge of games platforms and software packages
• have excellent communication and presentation skills
• be able to adapt quickly.

Designers also need:

• to be creative and imaginative
• drawing and 3D design skills.

Programmers also need:

• to be highly skilled in C++ programming
• excellent problem-solving skills.

There are no set entry requirements for this job, but most computer games designers and programmers are graduates.

Designers may take a degree in a general design-related subject, but there are also courses throughout the UK that allow students to specialise in design for games. Most designers, though, tend to move into the role after working in art, programming or games testing roles.

Programmers may take an IT rather than creative route, studying computer games programming, software development or games technology. Some may study general programming or maths and later specialise in games, possibly by taking a postgraduate qualification.

Most designers and programmers are expected to learn on the job, with help from more experienced colleagues. It is very important for anyone working in the computer games industry to keep up to date with developments and market information.

With experience, junior designers can take on more responsibility and be promoted to games designer, senior designer, lead designer and maybe even design manager or creative director.

Programmers may be given more responsibility, eventually progressing to lead programmer or technical director.

Further details