Few industries ignite passion and sheer joy quite like game development. This is a challenging, yet exciting field that allows you to take a deep dive into the gaming world while also creating new worlds and experiences for other gamers.
The bar to entering the game development landscape may be higher than you anticipate, however. It takes considerable technical training to succeed in this demanding field. If you’re up to the challenge, you could have a bright future ahead, especially if you put in the work to earn a game design online degree.
Not sure how to get a leg up in this unique field? Keep reading for answers to important questions such as what is a video game developer, and what degree do you need to be a game developer?
Understanding Game Development
It takes a distinct blend of tools, technologies, and skilled professionals to create video games that resonate with players. This multifaceted process also calls for exceptional creativity, technical acumen, and even project management to keep developers and designers on track. We will take a deep dive into this process below, while also revealing, what does a game developer do?
What Is Game Development?
Game development represents an extensive process that determines how video games are conceptualized, produced, tested, and perfected. This far-reaching concept describes everything that needs to happen before enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of gaming. This means understanding concept generation, visual asset creation, narrative development and so much more. Although this is a multidisciplinary field, it calls for technical prowess, including a thorough understanding of programming.
What Does a Game Developer Do?
Game developers are multi-talented professionals who get deeply involved in every aspect of creating, testing, and releasing video games. Some may take a big-picture approach and handle a wide range of development tasks, while others are specialists and may focus on level layouts, progression systems, or graphics programming. Common responsibilities include:
- Review project goals and priorities, using project management mechanisms or task management tools as needed
- Write and optimize code to implement game features or mechanics
- Work with QA testers to identify bugs or usability concerns
- Collaborate with artists, sound designers, and other team members to address challenges and coordinate initiatives
Exploring Game Development Programs
As the game development field grows and tools and technologies become more complex, there is a greater need for well-trained developers with a range of technical, design, and business skills.
Although certificate programs are available, this field’s academic gold standard currently involves targeted bachelor’s credentials. The ideal degree for video game design? Whatever exposes aspiring developers or designers to the complexities of this industry while helping aspiring developers build a strong technical skill set.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Game Developer?
There is no mandatory degree required to become a game developer or that can guarantee success in this competitive field. That said, some educational paths are more likely to enhance game development skill sets while also providing valuable networking opportunities. The Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development is a great option for passionate gamers who feel drawn to game development and design.
What to Look for in a Game Development Program
You are eager to make your mark in game development and have decided that a targeted degree program will help you develop the skills and connections you need to thrive.
The next step? Choosing the right game development program. Be mindful of these concerns as you take the next step in your game development education:
- Curriculum relevance and breadth. Game developers should build a well-rounded skill set that includes everything from discrete mathematics to game design and even project management. Look for a program that offers a comprehensive curriculum but confirm that all courses emphasize skills and concepts that will be relevant upon entering the game development profession.
- Faculty expertise. Coursework takes a definite step up when taught by experienced faculty members clearly passionate about game development. Look at their background. Have they worked for respected development companies? Which games have they contributed to and how?
- Industry connections and networking. What you know definitely matters, but having the right connections can make a world of difference as you search for your dream job in game development. These connections can be developed while enrolled in relevant college programs, where there are numerous opportunities to interact with fellow students and learn from their perspectives and experiences.
- Student support and career services. While many students enter game development programs because they feel confident about their intended professional trajectory, some will need extra support or guidance. Career services departments or resource centers can help these students discern their ideal career path while also getting assistance with resume writing, interview prep, and so much more. Be mindful of other student support options, such as academic advising and learning support services.
- Student outcomes and success rates. College programs can make big promises, but whether they live up to high expectations is another matter altogether. Student success metrics can reveal whether students make it to graduation and how they fare once they enter a competitive job market. Assess metrics but also consider discussing programs with current students or alumni.
- Cost and financial aid. The rewards of working in game development can be significant and, these days, many skilled game developers earn impressive wages. Still, there is significant upfront investment to be considered, so be sure to take a close look at the cost of tuition, along with the anticipated return on investment (such as typical wages for desired game development positions). Keep in mind that financial aid is often available, including scholarships or grants.
Necessary Skills Taught in Game Development Courses
Game development courses delve into many fascinating, but complex concepts that may take months or even years of focused study to master. These courses cover the full breadth of game development, preparing future leaders for challenges bound to appear when diving into exciting, yet complex projects. We will cover the full breadth of video game developer skills below:
Technical Skills
Technical skills are among the most important in game development. These allow developers to write code, optimize performance, and find or address bugs. Essentials addressed while pursuing a game developer degree include:
- Programming languages. Necessary for scripting and prototyping, programming languages are a crucial component of any aspiring game developer’s skill set. Ideally, developers will be proficient with several programming languages, although C++ and C# are among the most important. Depending on career plans, developers may also want to delve into Python, Java, or even SQL.
- Game engines. As valuable frameworks that can streamline the end-to-end process of game development, game engines make critical development processes more accessible and are also highly scalable. Developers should be familiar with major game engines such as Unity, CryEngine, and Unreal Engine. Developers will be better poised to leverage these solutions if equipped with a thorough understanding of programming languages, scripting, and rendering techniques.
- Discrete mathematics. Concepts such as graph theory and Boolean algebra play heavily into game architecture but can also be useful for security and optimization purposes. The ideal game development program will provide a thorough overview of discrete mathematics, along with opportunities to leverage these skills in other courses.
Design Skills
Game development and game design are closely aligned, although development places a greater emphasis on programming and testing. Game design maintains a narrower focus on the mechanics, narrative, and balance that shape how the game is played. This is a critical component of development, and the most successful game developers also work to develop game design skills.
- Level design. Stages, chapters, or levels shape the overall gaming experience, granting users a feeling of accomplishment as they progress through various phases. Level design optimizes those stages to make games more engaging and enjoyable. Success in level design calls for strong storytelling skills and a thorough understanding of game mechanics.
- User experience (UX). From intuitive navigation to audiovisual design and even flow, user experience determines the player’s overall satisfaction with the gaming experience. Critical skills for boosting UX include prototyping, playtesting, interface design, and performance optimization.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are important in every industry and game development is no exception. If developers struggle to communicate, collaborate, or manage their time, they may struggle to bring their vision to life. These skills should be prioritized within any game development degree program:
- Creativity. It would be an understatement to describe game development as a creative profession. Originality is essential, and game developers must be willing to experiment with new ideas and seek feedback from instructors or fellow students.
- Problem-solving. Challenges are to be expected through every stage of the game development process. Ideally, developers will view these as opportunities. They should be prepared to assess complex concerns and think critically about how they can be resolved. Problem-solving skills are best developed within immersive environments or while exposed to experiential learning opportunities.
- Teamwork. Game developers work closely with a variety of professionals and must be comfortable taking on various roles within larger development teams. Also important: exploring different perspectives, as highlighted by fellow developers. Teamwork skills can be developed while completing group projects within the context of a game developer degree.
- Time management. Game developers need to juggle a variety of tasks and meet strict deadlines. Strong time management should help busy professionals make the most of every moment. Demanding game development programs help future developers learn to prioritize tasks and work smart instead of hard.
Business and Marketing Skills
With the right skill set, it may even be possible for game developers to move into senior or management roles, which provide greater autonomy while helping ambitious professionals shape the broader landscape of game development. Going beyond the technical, game development programs should cover:
- Project management. Critical for allocating resources and delegating tasks, project management skills help senior game developers ensure that complex projects are completed on time. Many programs offer dedicated project management courses as electives.
- Analytical skills. Game development is an increasingly data-driven practice, and, if equipped with analytical skills, developers can optimize gameplay while dramatically improving user experience. Essentials include statistical analysis (such as descriptive and inferential statistics), behavioral metrics, market research, and scenario analysis.
Discover Baker College’s Game Software Development Program
Are you ready to enter the exciting world of game development? Get a strong start with Baker College’s Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development.Offering a foundation in computer science as it relates to game development processes, this program can help aspiring game developers acquire today’s most in-demand technical skills while also integrating creativity and collaboration. Reach out today to learn more.