How To Become a Game Developer
In This Article:
- What Is a Game Developer?
- What Do Game Developers Do?
- Experience and Education for Game Developers
- Best Degrees for Game Developers
- What Skills Does a Game Developer Need?
- Median Annual Wage
- Projected Job Growth
- Where Do Game Developers Work?
What Is a Game Developer?
A game developer is often called an application software developer who specializes in creating video games by designing and developing software systems.1 Game developers are charged with taking the vision of the game design team, including visuals, user interfaces and game logic, and building the software that creates the game. The work of game developers have the power to captivate many people, creating immersive experiences that entertain and engage audiences worldwide.
According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), over 190 million Americans ages five through 90 play video games on a weekly basis and about 61% of the population in the U.S. plays for at least one hour every week.2 Because gamers play for many different reasons, including entertainment, stress relief, a sense of community and even to sharpen their cognitive skills, the need for software developers, which is a parent of game developers, is expected to grow faster than average between 2023 and 2033.2,3
What Do Game Developers Do?
Before considering how to become a game developer, you may wish to learn some details about the job. A game developer, also called a software developer, works collaboratively to manage the developmental process of game creation. Specific tasks can vary by the company you work for, your specialized role and the particular project, but generally include the following:1
Ideation
While game designers typically develop concepts, game developers may play a supportive role in brainstorming the look and purpose of a game.
Collaboration
Collaborate with other professionals, including designers, artists, producers and quality analysts to create immersive and engaging experiences.
Coding
Game developers may be responsible for developing the code that makes the game functional.
Troubleshooting
Review and fix bugs in the game prototype after development.
The role of a game developer can be different from one company to the next. At larger companies, game developers may specialize in a particular area, such as user interface. At smaller companies, these professionals may be involved in elements throughout the lifecycle of the game’s development.4
Experience and Education for Game Developers
Before deciding whether this career path could be the right choice for you, it’s helpful to know how to become a game developer. Although requirements can vary, a typical career path often follows this trajectory:
High School Diploma
A high school diploma is a necessary step toward earning a college degree. You may find it helpful to take any technology-related electives available, particularly classes in coding or computer graphics.5 You might also look for relevant afterschool activities, such as an esports club.
College Degree
Aspiring software or video game developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field.5 Computer science and computer engineering are examples of relevant degree programs.5 If possible, look for a degree that focuses specifically on game and simulation development.
Undergraduate Certificates
Although optional, earning an undergraduate certificate may help you in your quest to become a game developer. A certificate program may offer opportunities to acquire or refine skills. For example, developers who want to work on mobile game development might earn a certificate in Java programming.5
Internships
This industry can be competitive, so securing internships while in college are good opportunities to advance your skills.5 Look for relevant internship positions with game design companies to achieve hands-on experience.5 Focus on making a good impression and building your professional network.
Entry-Level Roles
You may need to pursue early career roles in the gaming industry before applying for a position as a game developer. For example, you might work as a quality assurance tester, who is responsible for finding bugs and sending the bug reports to developers.4
Professional Certifications
While optional, professional certifications may help boost your resume. There are several certification options for game developers and related professionals, including:6
- Unity Certified 3D Artist
- Unreal Engine Certified Professional
- Pro Tools User Certification
- Adobe Certified Expert-Magento Commerce JavaScript Developer
As you follow this career path, focus on continually refining your skills and building a strong professional portfolio, as well as developing your professional network. A solid portfolio of work may help future career advancement.7
Best Degrees for Game Developers
Future game developers typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.5 This type of degree explores critical skills, such as coding, math, engineering and may provide opportunities for hands-on practice.
As you navigate the curriculum, consistently strive to deliver your highest level of effort. The hands-on experiential learning activities will provide opportunities to develop a student portfolio, which you may use when you apply for your first job.
A computer science degree with a focus on game development may cover topics such as:
- Java programming language
- Storyboarding
- Information security basics
- 2D and 3D computer graphics
- Game design and development
- Mobile game production
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Game Developers
The ideal degree program for aspiring game developers combines instructional education with experiential learning. Along the way, students will have opportunities to develop important hard and soft skills, such as prototyping, storytelling, teamwork and adaptability.8
If you’re passionate about technology in general and gaming in particular, you may consider the following degree programs as you get started on becoming a game developer:
Bachelor’s Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Game and Simulation Development
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
Master’s Programs
Other Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate of Completion in Java Programming
- Bridge (Master of Science in Software Development)
What Skills Does a Game Developer Need?
Future game developers will need strong technical skills, as their work involves creating computer programs. However, they can also benefit from solid soft skills that are useful in any workplace. A diverse skill set can bolster an aspiring game developer’s resume, such as the following:8
- Programming languages
- Mathematics
- Computer graphics skills
- Prototyping
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Communication skills Storytelling
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management
Median Annual Wage
How much do video game developers make? It can vary widely depending on factors like employer, geographic location, specialization and years of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers was $132,270.9
Projected Job Growth
An increased need for software developers, software quality assurance analysts and testers is expected to increase faster than average from 2023 to 2033.3 The BLS estimates job growth for types of software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers to increase by about 18%, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 327,900 new jobs in the tech industry.3
Where Do Game Developers Work?
Software developers or game designers can work across a variety of industries, from software publishing and manufacturing to production and animation.4 Game developers can work for any type of company that produces video games, including the following:4,10
Game Developer Studio
These companies create video games internally for their parent companies, which own the gaming platform or console. Game developers will create games only for that console or platform.
Software Publishers
These companies develop, market and distribute software products, overseeing everything from creation to customer support and updates.
Indie Developer Studio
In a startup environment, indie developers create games, usually self-funded, for a range of consoles and platforms.
Second- and Third-Party Developer Studios
Here, game developers will still develop games for just one console or platform, but the company is not owned by the parent company that holds the rights to the platform or console. In a third-party studio, game developers create games to be published by their own company or for another game publisher—not limited to one console or platform.
Manufacturing
Game developers may assist in producing physical copies of a game, such as discs or cartridges, as well as packaging and distributing these products to retailers and consumers.
Gaining experience, improving and expanding your professional portfolio and cultivating a solid track record of excellent results are all ways of working to position yourself for future potential career advancement as a video game developer. First, you might pursue positions of seniority within development itself before considering whether to pursue a leadership position. Software developers may advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers or positions in which they oversee the software development process, which may require a master’s degree.5
Prepare to entertain and delight gamers with your creations as a professional game developer. Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Game and Simulation Development degree program at Grand Canyon University.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Sept. 16, 2024.
2 Entertainment Software Association. (2024). Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game I. Retrieved Aug. 13, 2024.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, retrieved on Sept. 16, 2024.
4 Coursera. (2024, Feb. 3). What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)? Retrieved Aug. 13, 2024.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2024.
6 Teal. (2024). Getting Certified as a Video Game Designer. Retrieved Aug. 13, 2024.
7 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 16). How to Become a Game Developer. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 13, 2024.
8 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, April 18). What Does a Game Developer Do? (With Skills and Salary). Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 13, 2024.
9 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers as of May 2023, retrieved on Oct. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
10 U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Sept. 16, 2024.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Oct. 21, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
