Courses in computer game design and development open doors for students to enter the world of gaming. The courses provide students with comprehensive knowledge and first-hand experience in designing and creating games. Professional gaming courses prepare students for the challenging environment of the gaming industry. Students will have a wide range of opportunities after graduating with a game development course. They can choose to either pursue further education or join employment in the field of computer science and gaming. If you are interested in the world of gaming and want to learn more, read on.

How to Become a Computer Games Developer

  • Before turning yourself into a professional developer, you should be prepared to face the stiff competition. Computer game developers are also expected to work long hours, thus, you should be prepared to work for around 60 hours a week.
  • Students need to be aware of the training and skills required to master computer game developing. You can utilise computer gaming programmes available online to increase your expertise in the field.
  • With a game development course, you can experience hands-on training and learn about relevant software.
  • The gaming industry requires computer game developers with varied skills. Students should, therefore, take a course when they are aware of where their interest lies.
  • A student should be well acquainted with commercially available game engines, 3D game creators and computer game programming software. To achieve proficiency in game programming, students should practice as much as possible.
  • Building a good portfolio increases your chances of getting hired by reputed gaming studios.
  • An ideal portfolio should include:
    • Short-timed games that can be played completely;
    • Links to all the installation software for individual games;
    • Screenshots of crucial game scenes
    • Source code for all games;
    • An acknowledgement providing credits to any collaborators who may have assisted you with the game’s design, programming or presentation.

What Qualification Do You Need to be a Computer Game Developer?

As a computer game developer, your primary field of work will involve coding to develop your game. The entry-level career requirements include a bachelor’s degree (minimum) in the fields of computer science and computer engineering. Besides having a general background in computer science, it is preferable to complete a formal education programme, game development or animation course. A bachelor’s programme in video game programming can teach you the fundamentals of becoming a computer game developer, which typically include subjects such as:

  • Object-oriented design;
  • Game algorithms;
  • C++;
  • Calculus;
  • Computer graphics.

Skills Required to Become a Computer Game Developer

The essential skills required to succeed in the modern game industry are as follows:

  • Basic programming skills;
  • Basic drawing skills;
  • Basic visual design skills;
  • Strategic thinking skills;
  • Communication skills;
  • Game architecture designing skills.

Additionally, understanding gameplay theory and possessing an awareness of all gaming platforms and technology can help you produce games within specific time windows and budget constraints.

Careers in Computer Game Development

Computer game development is a unique job associated with fun and excitement. The gaming industry is constantly evolving and a career in computer game development will present you with various new challenges and rewards. Let’s take a look at the career prospects for a game developer:

  • Content Designer – their skills include in-depth knowledge of the gaming industry, attention to detail and communication. Content designers provide the game industry with new and improved games. The average annual salary for a Content Designer is £64,933.
  • Lead Designer – they work closely with artists and programmers on every production. Lead designers help in jotting down concepts for brainstorming sessions and concise design documentation. Additionally, they collaborate with the marketing department for poster designing, merchandising and packaging. Their average annual salary is £51,033.
  • Creative Director – A creative director supervises the work of a lead designer. They manage teams of artists, designers and programmers and work directly with senior supervisors of each department. They are in-charge of the final output of a game and execute it by monitoring its design, animation and background music. Their average annual salary is £64,466.

Are Computer Game Developers in High Demand?

Computer games are known to be very popular among children as well as adults. The gaming industry attracts students to take up game programming courses as it can offer a lucrative career.

Computer game development is ideal for hard-working, confident individuals. A student not only needs to be sincere and hard-working but also confident. If you have developed a passion for computer games and aspire to become a video game programmer, apply to the BA Graphic Design course offered by the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA).

This article was written by Deblina Dam and edited by Anisa C.