STRIVE Careers – Game Developers – Kaihanga Tākaro
Game developers write, design, program, animate, and test games and applications for computers, gaming consoles, and cellphones.
Job Opportunities
Pay
New game developers usually earn
$49K-$60K per year
Game developers with experience usually earn
$60K-$80K per year
Chances of getting a job are good for skilled game developers as, although the industry is small, it is growing rapidly.
What you will do
Game developers may do some or all of the following:
- create games based on their own or others’ ideas
- produce preliminary storyboards, character biographies, storylines, and features of the new game
- write detailed design documentation, showing how the game will function, sample menus, functionality, and style
- write computer code to create the game
- source and add additional graphics, sound effects, and digital images
- create test versions of the game, and identify and correct any errors
- oversee gameplay testing to ensure it works as intended.
Skills and knowledge
Game developers need to have knowledge of some or all of the following:
- gaming and game platforms such as Xbox or PlayStation
- computer systems, processes and languages (such as C++, or C#)
- video graphic design
- 3D art and animation computer software.
Working conditions
Game developers:
- work regular business hours, but sometimes have to work evenings and weekends to complete a project on time
- usually work in offices or studios in conditions that may be stressful because they must meet deadlines
- may travel around New Zealand or overseas to meet with clients.
HOW TO ENTER THE JOB
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for game developers differ depending on what area you want to work in – game programming, game art or game design.
Game programmer
You usually need a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following:
- computer science
- software development/engineering.
Many university degrees have papers specialising in computer graphics or interaction design, and opportunities to make a game as a project.
Game artist/designer
You usually need a degree or diploma in one of the following:
- 2D and 3D animation
- media design
- animation
- game art and development.
Employers also prefer you to have some knowledge of programming.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter tertiary training.
Useful subjects at school for students intending to be game programmers include maths, physics, and computing.
School subjects recommended for students interested in becoming game artists include art, graphics and design subjects.
Personal requirements
Game developers need to be:
- creative and artistic
- methodical and accurate
- patient and adaptable
- able to work well under pressure
- good at managing projects
- good at analysis
- skilled in planning, organising and problem-solving
- good at oral and written communication.
Useful experience
Useful experience for game developers includes:
- writing computer code to create games, software or websites
- art or design work
- experience recording or editing film
- playing computer and video games.
Physical requirements
Game developers spend a lot of time using computers and video game equipment, so need to know how to use equipment properly to minimise the risk of occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
What are the chances of getting a job?
Demand for skilled game developers
The New Zealand game development industry is small and still fairly new, but growing.
Sales of games developed for smartphones, which New Zealand specialises in, are strong. For example, six New Zealand-made games featured among the top 10 downloads for iPhones in 2012. Sales grew at 143% annually from 2012 to 2014.
As a result, the number of game developers increased by 25% during this period, according to an annual survey run by the NZ Game Developers Association (NZGDA).
Although a major game studio closed down in early 2016, others have expanded due to the growing demand for games. Demand for skilled game developers is likely to continue.
Specialist gaming qualifications, portfolios and networking improve your chances of getting a job
Chances of recruitment as a fresh graduate are best if you have a specialist game development qualification. For example, specialist courses provided by the Media Design School have a recruitment rate of about 80% for graduates.
NZGDA also recommends you build up a portfolio of paid or voluntary game development work that you have done outside your coursework.
Look on the NZGDA news page and forums and on individual members’ websites for notices of vacancies. Events such as the Auckland Game Developers Meetups and AnimfxNZ also provide valuable networking opportunities.
Types of employers varied
New Zealand has about 120 game development companies. These range in size from small companies with fewer than five staff, to those with 50 or more staff.
Some game developers are self-employed.
Progression and specialisations
Game developers usually work in one of three broad areas – game programming, game art or game design.
Within these areas, they may specialise in a particular game platform, such as PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo, and a particular aspect of game development such as:
- artificial intelligence (AI) programming – making game characters learn logically and behave like humans
- 2D and 3D art and animation – creating the illusion of movement and depth of vision
- game designing – creating the content, rules and look of a game
- digital sound – using computer code to create the sounds and music heard in a game
- physics programming – ensuring elements and characters in a game follow real-life rules of physics
- tools programming – building special sub-programs within a game to help it run better or faster
- game play programming – developing a game’s strategy, logic, mechanics, and feel
- video effects – adding special effects like explosions or fires to a game
- art direction – creating the background and mood artwork required for a game
- studio management – overseeing staff and other resources to ensure games are delivered on time and to budget
- production and development – a management role involving negotiating contracts, hiring staff, and controlling finances
- testing – playing the games as they’re developed to make sure they work properly, and noting bugs and other issues.
Some game developers may also focus on testing the software used in games.
Game developers can progress to become team leaders, project managers, or company managers. They may also start their own game or computer software businesses.
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