Computer games developers produce games for PCs, games consoles, the internet and mobile phones. The work may involve developing new games or updating existing titles.

A game can take several months or even years to produce. There are many stages leading up to its release, from creating ideas and characters to programming and testing. A large number of job roles come under the term 'development', with many different people working on each stage:

• designers decide what a game looks like and how it plays, they may come up with an original idea themselves or work from an existing concept
• artists and animators create the game’s visual characters, objects and scenery and bring them to life; some produce concept art and storyboards at the planning stage, while others use 2-D and 3-D computer modelling and animation software during the production stage
• audio/sound engineers create sound effects, character voice-overs and music for games
• programmers create the code that makes the game work; they may specialise in developing graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), or gameplay software
• quality assurance (QA) testers check playability and reliability, and report any problems or bugs to the development team.

Overseeing the whole project will be a producer or project manager, who will be responsible for making sure that the finished game is delivered to the publisher or distributor on time.

See Skillset’s website for detailed information about jobs in the games industry (contact details in Further Information).

Hours and Environment

Working hours in the computer games industry can vary. For many jobs your standard hours will be 9am to 5pm, but you may also need to work long, unsocial hours and overtime to meet deadlines.

The work can be office- or studio-based, depending on your role. You will spend most of your time sitting at a computer.

Skills and Interests

To work in computer games development you need:

• excellent computer skills
• a wide knowledge and understanding of computer games
• creativity and imagination
• a logical approach to problem-solving
• good teamworking and communication skills
• flexibility and adaptability
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• patience and attention to detail
• willingness to keep up with industry developments and learn new skills.

Entry

To work as a games designer, artist or programmer, you will usually need a relevant HND or degree.

Several colleges and universities offer foundation degrees, HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses in computer games design or development. You could also get into the industry with other relevant degree subjects like:

• computer science or software engineering
• animation, graphic design, fine art or illustration
• interactive media
• maths or physics
• multimedia design.

The most useful courses include practical skills and work placements. See Skillset’s website for a list of industry-endorsed courses. Check with colleges and universities about course content and entry requirements.

Many people find their first job in the games industry through work placements they do as part of their degree.

A popular way to get into the games industry is as a quality assurance (QA) tester. You do not need a degree to start at this level, but you must have a lot of experience of game playing and in-depth knowledge of game platforms and styles. It is also useful to have some knowledge of programming.

Employers will want to see proof of your talent and creativity, so you will need a portfolio of work to show. This could include completed game projects, ideas for games or computer programmes, artwork or an animation showreel.

You can also show commitment to joining the industry by attending games festivals and events, and keeping yourself up-to-date with computer game magazines and websites.

Contact Skillset Careers for more advice about breaking into the computer games industry.

Training

You will normally train on the job, learning from more experienced staff. You will start at a junior level and work under the direction of a lead designer, artist or programmer.

You should keep up-to-date with industry developments throughout your career. It will be useful to learn more software packages that are relevant to your job, for example:

• 3ds Max, Maya or Direct X, for artists and animators
• C, C++, Assembler and various AI tools, for programmers
• Logic Audio or Cool Edit Pro, for audio engineers.

Many other packages are available, and some companies also create software to meet their own needs.

Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses, including a wide range of short courses for the computer games industry. See Skillset's website for more details.

If you are a QA Tester, you could take Information Systems Exam Board (ISEB) Foundation and Practitioner Certificates in Software Testing, which can increase your skills and employability.

Skillset is also piloting a QA testing apprenticeship, which will lead to NVQ Levels 2 in Computer Games Testing. The apprenticeship may be more widely available later in 2007 - see Skillset's website for more details.

Opportunities

The computer games industry is a growing and fast-moving one. There are many opportunities for people with the right skills - animation, camera, lighting, mobile technology and scriptwriting skills are particularly in demand.

Around 50% of the UK games industry is based in London and the south east of England. Other significant areas are Birmingham, Bristol, the north west, Sheffield, Leeds, Dundee and Edinburgh.

Jobs are advertised in games industry magazines and websites. However, many jobs are not advertised, so you should also approach companies ‘cold’, and network to make contacts in the industry.

You will often work freelance on fixed-term contracts, although contracts can often be long because games can take years to develop. There is strong competition for jobs.

As a designer, artist or programmer, you can progress to lead your team. As a QA tester you could move into a production role, but it is more usual to progress to lead tester then QA manager, or into project management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Games testers can expect to earn between £10,000 and £15,000 a year. 
Graduate artists and programmers may start at £17,000 to £20,000 a year.
Experienced designers, programmers and producers can earn up to £40,000 or more.

Many companies also offer bonuses and share schemes for successfully completing projects.

Further information

Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland 1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB