The programmer builds the engine, so to speak, and gives the prototype the means to take off, whatever the medium.
The video game industry employs a wide range of video game programmers and developers with diverse missions: all of them write the essential lines of code that will make the final video game coherent.
Missions
They design the game’s computer architecture and optimise its performance. Depending on the company and the project, programmers have different roles and missions.
We can distinguish :
- programmers specialising in the basic building blocks of games (libraries for Next-Gen consoles and engines),
- programmers who are experts in 3D or rendering,
- developers specialising in applied physics,
- tool programmers, who develop the development tools used by the other programmers
and the ‘gameplay’ programmers who work on the content of the games. - There is one job that exudes a special aura: the video game programmer (or video game developer).
Programming involves three phases:
- Analysis (the game’s IT requirements),
- Detailed design (writing the programme),
- Testing and correction (acceptance).
- The programmers bring together the parts of the game produced by the other members of the team: the visuals from the computer graphics artists and 3D modellers, the maps from the level designers, the music from the sound designers, etc. This assembly creates a coherent ‘pack’ for maximum playability.
Skills and knowledge
Programmers are constantly exposed to technological developments. They need to update their knowledge and adapt to new tools, media and programming languages.
Programmers must master team development tools (Perforce, SourceSafe, etc.), C, C#, Unity3D, Unreal Engine 4 and Java programming tools and languages, Windows and DirectX programming, for connected games and the Web (PHP, Ajax). Developers are expected to be available at all times, and one of the qualities required is team spirit.
A rigorous approach, a high level of technical expertise in IT and a creative dimension: this could be the programmer’s triptych.
Careers and career opportunities
The world of video game developers has become increasingly professional over the years. A Game Designer training course like the one offered by ETPA has become essential.
Depending on the type of studio or company, a junior programmer can become a senior programmer and, after years of experience, a lead programmer. They may also specialise in a particular technology or language. Later on, they may consider becoming project managers or technical directors.
Finally, with the advent of e-sport (electronic sports), the video game market is becoming a prosperous sector in demand of talent…
