Game Programming

A career in game programming can lead to many different roles, including game designer, programmer, artist, and more! The video game industry can be appealing for some, especially those who enjoy playing video games as a hobby. Whether you’re passionate about video games or interested in working in this industry, you can find a job for yourself in the field! It might sound unbelievable that you can break into the video game industry without years of formal training or experience but it’s totally possible.

To break into a very competitive and skilled industry, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level game programming related roles, learn how to become a game programmer, and gain experience to break into the field!

• Build Technical Skills:
  • Learn programming languages: C++, C#, Java, or Python depending on your desired role
  • Game design tools: Unity, Unreal Engine, Game Maker, etc.
  • Art and animation skills: 3D modeling, 2D art, animation software if you want to pursue art-related roles
• Build Your Portfolio & Join Game Projects:
  • Create your portfolio & highlight projects: Create small games or mods to showcase your skills and understanding of game development principles.
  • Game jams: Participate in game jams to work collaboratively on short game projects within a time limit.
  • Open-source contributions: Contribute to open-source game projects to gain experience and collaborate with others
  • Consider commissioning temporarily on small projects, or with small video game companies who may want only one or two pieces from you rather than hiring you as a full-time employee.
• Build Your Own Games:
  • One of the best ways to get experience is to build and complete your own games. Your output will prove your determination, creativity, and hunger for growth.
• Network & Connect With Fellow Gamers:
  • Industry events and conferences: Attend gaming conventions and meetups to connect with industry professionals
  • Online communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to game development to learn from others and share your work
• Craft Your Resume:
  • Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
  • Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• Explore Internships or Early Career Development Programs:
  • Apply for internships: Look for internships at game studios (like Epic Games or Activision) to gain hands-on experience.
  • Pursuing an internship at a game studio and or applying as a QA tester are also other ways to break into the industry.
  • Research early career development programs in the gaming industry.
  • SNHU has partnered with several employers on Handshake where these gaming industry employers post jobs and internships targeting SNHU students:
    • Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Belfrost Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, Girls Make Games, Rainbow Unicorn Games, & Veterans Gaming Mental Health Mission

Lastly, you explore entry-level job titles, such as:

• Junior Game Programmer: Entry-level game programmers contribute to coding tasks, assisting in the development of game features, and gaining hands-on experience in various programming languages and development environments.
• Quality Assurance Tester/Game Tester: Graduates can start as game testers, identifying and reporting bugs, ensuring the functionality and quality of games before release, and gaining insights into the testing phase of game development.
• Assistant Gameplay Programmer: Entry-level gameplay programmers work closely with senior developers, contributing to the coding of game mechanics, player interactions, and other crucial gameplay elements.
• Junior AI Programmer: Those interested in artificial intelligence can begin their careers as junior AI programmers, working on developing algorithms that enhance the behavior and decision-making of non-player characters.
• Tools Programmer Assistant: Entry-level roles in tools programming involve developing software tools to assist game developers in their workflow, streamlining processes and improving efficiency in the development pipeline.
• Junior Game Engine Developer: Graduates can start as junior game engine developers, assisting in the design, optimization, and maintenance of game engines, learning the intricacies of engine architecture and functionality.

Knowing how switching to a gaming career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

• Switching Careers : Advice for Career Changers:
  • As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
  • In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
  • Spend time researching the skills your ideal game art or game design job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.
  • Create a game programmer portfolio that demonstrates your skills! You should include samples of your work, such as games, prototypes, designs, scripts, or art.

• Popular Game Programmer Jobs To Explore:
  • As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various game programmer career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets.
  • While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire gaming students and graduates!
  • SNHU has partnered with several employers on Handshake where these gaming industry employers post jobs and internships targeting SNHU students:
    • Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Online Studios, Girls Make Games, Rainbow Unicorn Games, Veterans Gaming Mental Health Mission.

• Popular Gaming Industry Job Boards To Explore:
  • You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
  • We put together this list of the best game industry job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs to apply to!

• Explore & Research Job Titles:
  • Senior Game Programmer: Mid-level professionals can advance to senior game programming roles, taking on more complex coding tasks, leading development teams, and contributing to the overall architecture of game systems.
  • Lead Gameplay Programmer: Progressing in gameplay programming, individuals can become lead programmers, providing guidance on the design and implementation of game mechanics, and overseeing the work of junior programmers.
  • AI Programmer/Designer: Mid-level AI programmers can transition into roles that involve designing and implementing advanced artificial intelligence systems, influencing the overall intelligence and behavior of in-game characters.
  • Tools Programmer/Engineer: Those in tools programming may advance to mid-level roles, where they lead the development of software tools, enhancing the efficiency of the game development pipeline and collaborating with various teams.
  • Game Engine Architect: Mid-level professionals can become game engine architects, contributing to the design and evolution of game engines, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility with evolving technologies.
  • Technical Lead (Game Development): In a technical leadership role, mid-level individuals can guide development teams, make key technical decisions, and ensure the successful execution of projects, bridging the gap between technical aspects and overall project goals.

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): At the senior level, individuals can become CTOs, overseeing the technological strategy and direction of game development companies, driving innovation, and ensuring the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
• Technical Director (Game Development): Senior technical directors lead the technical aspects of game development, setting standards, guiding the overall technical vision, and ensuring the successful implementation of advanced technologies.
• Lead Game Architect: Senior game architects contribute to the architectural design of complex game systems, providing guidance on technical decisions, and ensuring the scalability and efficiency of game development projects.
• Director of Engineering (Game Development): In leadership roles, individuals can become directors of engineering, overseeing the entire engineering department, managing teams, and ensuring the successful execution of multiple game projects.
• Lead AI Researcher/Scientist: At the senior level, individuals may take on roles as lead AI researchers or scientists, driving innovation in artificial intelligence within the gaming industry and influencing the development of groundbreaking AI technologies.
• Studio Head/Managing Director: Those with extensive experience may rise to become studio heads or managing directors, overseeing the overall operations of game development studios, shaping the company’s vision, and ensuring successful project delivery.

Professional associations play a crucial role in connecting individuals in the game programming and development industry, providing networking opportunities, resources, and support. These associations cater to various aspects of the game programming and development industry, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth. Joining these organizations can be valuable for staying informed about industry trends, accessing educational resources, and connecting with peers. Here are ten prominent professional associations for game programming and development:

1. International Game Developers Association (IGDA): A global organization supporting game developers, including programmers, artists, and designers. IGDA offers resources, events, and networking opportunities.
2. Entertainment Software Association (ESA): Represents the video game industry in the United States, focusing on policy advocacy, industry research, and organizing events like E3.
3. Game Developers Conference (GDC): While not a traditional association, GDC is a major annual event bringing together game developers, including programmers, to share knowledge and showcase innovations.
4. International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDAF): The charitable arm of IGDA, dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in the game development community.
5. The International Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.): Focuses on the promotion of excellence in game audio, offering resources, networking, and educational opportunities.
6. The Open Gaming Alliance (OGA): A non-profit organization supporting the growth of the game industry, including game developers, by providing resources and fostering collaboration.
7. Independent Game Developers Association (TIGA): Represents the game development and digital publishing industry in the UK, offering support and advocacy.
8. Serious Games Association (SGA): Focuses on the application of game design principles for serious purposes, such as education, healthcare, and corporate training.
9. International Game Technology Association (IGT): Promotes the advancement of gaming technology and innovation, including aspects related to game programming and development.
10. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS): Recognizes excellence in the video game industry through the annual D.I.C.E. Awards and provides networking opportunities for professionals.

Certifications and micro-credentials in game programming and development can enhance skills, demonstrate proficiency, and validate expertise in specific areas of the industry. When pursuing certifications or micro-credentials, it’s essential to align them with your specific interests and career goals within game programming and development. Additionally, staying updated on the latest tools, technologies, and industry trends is crucial for professionals in this dynamic field. Here are some top recommended certifications and micro-credentials for game programming and development:

Certifications:

1. Unity Certified Developer: Validates proficiency in using Unity, a popular game development engine. Offered by Unity Technologies, this certification is recognized in the industry.
2. Unreal Engine Certification: Provided by Epic Games, this certification demonstrates expertise in using Unreal Engine for game development, including programming aspects.
3. C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPPP): While not specific to game development, a C++ certification can be valuable for game programmers using C++ as their primary language.
4. Game Developer Certification – JavaScript (MDN Web Docs): Focused on web-based game development using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Offered by Mozilla Developer Network (MDN).
5. Certified Game Developer (Microsoft): Microsoft offers certification programs for game developers, including tracks for programming and game design.
6. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): While not specific to game development, ScrumMaster certification is valuable for understanding agile methodologies commonly used in the industry.
7. Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) in Maya: Validates skills in using Autodesk Maya, a 3D modeling and animation software widely used in game development.
8. Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA): For those involved in 3D modeling and design aspects of game development using SOLIDWORKS.
9. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+): Provides a foundational understanding of IT concepts and is beneficial for those entering the field of game development.

Micro-Credentials:

1. Unity Micro-Credentials: Unity offers micro-credentials through Unity Learn, focusing on specific skills and features within the Unity game development environment.
2. Udacity Nanodegree – Game Developer: Udacity offers a comprehensive nanodegree program covering various aspects of game development, including programming.
3. Coursera Game Development Micro-Credentials: Coursera provides micro-credentials for completing specific courses or specializations in game development, often offered by universities and industry experts.
4. edX MicroMasters Program – Game Design and Development: edX offers micro-credentials in the form of MicroMasters programs, including those focused on game design and development.
5. LinkedIn Learning Game Development Badges: LinkedIn Learning provides badges for completing courses in game development, covering topics like programming, design, and project management.
6. Pluralsight Game Development Paths: Pluralsight offers learning paths for game development, allowing individuals to focus on specific skills and technologies, including programming.

Game programming and development require a combination of software tools and skills to create interactive and engaging gaming experiences. Developers in the game programming and development field should continuously update their skills, experiment with new tools, and actively engage with the gaming community to stay at the forefront of the industry. Here are some top recommended software and skills for game programming and development:

Software:

1. Unity: A widely-used game development engine for creating both 2D and 3D games. Unity supports multiple platforms and has a large community.
2. Unreal Engine: Known for its high-end graphics capabilities, Unreal Engine is popular for developing AAA games. It offers powerful tools for both programmers and designers.
3. CryEngine: Recognized for its visual fidelity, CryEngine is used in the development of visually stunning games, particularly in the FPS genre.
4. Godot Engine: An open-source game development engine that is user-friendly and supports both 2D and 3D game development.
5. Blender: A versatile open-source 3D modeling and animation software often used for creating game assets.
6. Visual Studio: A powerful integrated development environment (IDE) for C++ and C# programming, commonly used in game development.
7. Git: Version control software like Git is essential for collaborative game development, allowing multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously.
8. Substance Painter: Used for creating high-quality textures and materials for 3D models, essential for realistic game visuals.
9. Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is valuable for creating and editing 2D assets, textures, and concept art in game development.
10. Aseprite: A pixel art tool for creating retro-style graphics, suitable for 2D game development.

Skills:

1. Programming Languages:
   • C# or C++: Widely used in game development, with C# being the primary language for Unity and C++ for Unreal Engine.
2. Mathematics and Physics:
   • Strong mathematical skills for tasks like vector operations, collision detection, and physics simulations.
3. Problem-Solving:
   • The ability to analyze and solve complex problems, a crucial skill for debugging and optimizing code.
4. Game Design Understanding:
   • Knowledge of game design principles, mechanics, and player experience to contribute effectively to the development process.
5. 3D Modeling:
   • Understanding 3D modeling principles and tools for creating game assets.
6. AI Programming:
   • Knowledge of artificial intelligence algorithms and techniques for implementing intelligent behaviors in game characters.
7. Networking:
   • Skills in network programming for multiplayer games, including client-server architecture and synchronization.
8. Virtual Reality (VR) Development:
   • Familiarity with VR development tools and principles for creating immersive virtual experiences.
9. Shader Programming:
   • Understanding shader languages for creating custom visual effects in games.
10. Version Control:
    • Proficiency in using version control systems like Git for collaboration and code management.
11. Communication and Teamwork:
    • Effective communication and collaboration skills, as game development is often a team effort.
12. Continuous Learning:
    • The ability to adapt to new technologies and stay updated on industry trends.