Game software developers require a bachelor's degree with a specialization in a program such as game engineering or game design and development. A strong knowledge of various computer programming languages is also essential for success in the field. Read on to learn more about the program developer definition, day-to-day duties, salary, and the basic educational requirements for game software developer jobs.
Gaming Software Developers: Essential Info
Software developers design, create, and implement computer programs. Since software can be designed to perform a practically limitless number of functions, there are several specialties within the profession. Some developers design applications for specific computing tasks, while others develop the more general programs that can be found on most computers. Another such field is game design, which involves the creation of gaming software.
You may be wondering, 'Do software developers make games?' Although they typically are not involved in storyboarding, animation, or other creative aspects of video game production, game software developers are integral to turning the artistic teams' ideas into reality, as programming provides the foundation on which the rest of the game is built. For this reason, it can be said that software developers do make games.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 22% (all software developers)* |
| Median Salary (2019) | $107,510 (all software developers)* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does a Game Software Developer Do?
What is gaming software? While games have become visually diverse, most rely on similar versions of pre-built software, commonly referred to as 'engines.' No matter how innovative or creative a new game may be, it will never work without a proper engine, and that's where game software developers come in. These professionals are responsible for the technical side of game design. Whereas game designers deal more with the creative aspects of a game, software designers primarily work with programming languages (such as C/C++, for example), APIs (application programming interfaces), and scripting languages to ensure that the design team's ideas and concepts transition smoothly to the game itself.
As well as refined skills in computer science or software engineering for games, game software developers also need a knack for teamwork and problem-solving, as they are often required to liaise with different teams to ensure that all parties working on the same project are on the same page. Other important duties in most video game software developer jobs include:
- Selecting the most fitting programming language in which to write the code of a video game
- Regularly running software tests
- Fixing potential errors and bugs
- Coordinating their team's activities with other departments
- Ensuring deadlines are met
Career and Education Requirements for a Game Software Developer
Knowledge of and experience with relevant software is essential, and game software developers are expected to stay up-to-date about new releases and innovations in the field. Developers should also have experience with programming languages and technical architectural design. To acquire these skills, aspiring developers can pursue a bachelor's degree in a field such as game design and development or game engineering, which are offered through a number of colleges and universities.
Game Software Developer Salary & Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for all software developers was $107,510 per year, which could reflect the average game app developer salary. In 2019, the highest 10% of software developers made upwards of $164,000. The career outlook is also looking favorable for software designers, as employment is predicted to grow by 22% between 2019 and 2029, a much faster rate than average.
Game software developers are largely responsible for the technical aspects of game design, rather than the creative aspects. Proficiency with relevant software is essential, and developers must also maintain an up-to-date knowledge of innovations in the field.
