Game Developer

Video game programmers create the video game code. Specifically, they design, develop and perform the maintenance of video games, offering creative solutions at any time with the aim of building fun and quality games.

This professional is responsible for the architecture of the game (internal structure) and has an overall vision of all the tasks and technologies involved in developing the game, including 2D and 3D multimedia, intelligent behaviour simulation and networked multigames, as well as their relationships and dependencies.

This professional usually collaborates with other people who participate in the technical development of the video game, such as UI designers, usability experts and other video game developers and programmers, depending on the size and type of company where they work.

• Participate in the team developing the history of the video game, defining the game's specifications and establishing its technical requirements.
• Design the internal architecture and implement the game's characteristics and functionalities.

• Program the code for the video game, using programming languages and developing well-structured quality codes aimed at easing the understanding for future changes or modifications.
• Graphic programming in 2D and/or 3D.
• Develop engines for interiors, exteriors, illumination, character animation, special effects, graphic interfaces, hardware acceleration, etc.
• Develop the code for real-time audio.
• Program the simulation of intelligent behaviour based on artificial intelligence techniques.
• Program for network players and develop the code using the relevant protocol.
• Control input and output devices and develop code for the keyboard, mouse, joysticks and other devices.

• Incorporate graphics, sound and networking components in the game in close collaboration with the interface design and user experience team.
• Perform quality testing of the video game to detect any possible issues or faults and find solutions to resolve them.
• Maintain and optimise the existing characteristics of the game, adapting them to new functionalities or technologies found on the market.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Imatge i so: Desenvolupament de productes multimèdia interactius (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the professional family of IT - Advanced Level: Multiplatform Application Development
• Professional Training Course(s) in teh field of IT and Communications - Advanced Level: Multiplatform application development, Professional profile of video games and digital entertainment
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Communications, Image and Sound - Advanced Level: 3D animations, games and interactive environments
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: 3D animations, games and interactive environments; professional profile virtual worlds, augmented reality and "gamification"
• Grau: Audiovisual i multimèdia
• Grau: Creació artística per a videojocs i jocs aplicats
• Grau: Continguts digitals interactius
• Grau: Disseny i creació digitals
• Grau: Disseny, Animació i Art Digital
• Grau: Disseny i producció de videojocs
• Grau: Disseny i desenvolupament de videojocs
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes audiovisuals
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes electrònics
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes TIC
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes i serveis de telecomunicacions
• Grau: Enginyeria informàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria informàtica de gestió i sistemes d'informació
• Grau: Enginyeria multimèdia

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Knowledge of the gaming world and an understanding of its culture
Passion for video game software development and object-oriented design
Knowledge of programming languages
Knowledge of algorithms and gaming techniques
Knowledge of programs for processing image and sound.
Advanced level of English

For junior games developers, at least 1 to 2 years of experience in software and video game development is required.

For senior games developers with tasks associated with coordinating a team of game developers and designers, at least 3 to 5 years of experience in software development is required.

Creativity: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Video game designer

Web programmer

Digital processes artist

Mobile application programmer

Webmaster

• Work hours

  Full-time job.

• Salary

  Junior: between 16,798 and 23,057 euros gross per year. The average salary is 19,680 euros gross per year.
  Senior: between 24,522 and 35,515 euros gross per year. The average salary is 29,511 euros gross per year.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.
  

• Professional category

  Technician

• Human resources and equipment

  Computer with Internet connection, specific software for software development and programming.
  

• Initial investments

  Hardware and connections: 3,000 euros.
  Software licenses: 3,000 euros