1. Technical Development
Programmer/Lead Programmer
This is the sample message I sent to different Games studios/companies. I did this to gather
any primary information necessary to help get an understanding of the job role. I sent this email to
as many contacts I could within the time I had. Here are some other contacts which I sent emails to
in order to gain information from people with experience.
Most of these companies/studios are very successful and will probably take a while to get a reply
from, however the most informative source of info would come from the internet (secondary info).

2. Technical Development
Programmer/Lead Programmer
Applying for Jobs
How to get into programming or pathways into the job
many start off by programming as a hobby, university courses have links with game development
studios and organise work placements, should be able to demonstrate knowledge of games and an
understanding of what makes a game work, often by submitting samples of game programming they
have developed themselves. Programmers usually start off in junior positions performing general
programming tasks, before specialising or moving into leadership roles
. All Programmers start off being able to programme in C++. They then go on to develop other skills,
depending on their chosen specialism. Key Skills
Applying for jobs within the games industry can usually be hard; this is because lots of other people
with sets of skills may have more experience. An easy way to apply for a job would be the company’s
website. Some big companies may be hiring as well for example Infinity Ward. This company in
particular give you several categories to choose from. Also there Job search site (pictured below)
gives you different locations of where they are located.
After selecting your job the company will give you a specification or something’s they will expect
from you. This can be from the skills, experience, personal qualities of a programmer to
qualifications you need to get in the job.
More about the job
A game programmer is a software engineer, programmer, or computer scientist who primarily
develops codebase for video games or related software, such as game development tools. Game
programming has many specialized disciplines all of which fall under the umbrella term of "game
programmer". A game programmer should not be confused with a game designer, who works on
game design.

3. Technical Development
Programmer/Lead Programmer
They design and write the computer code that runs and controls the game, incorporating and
adapting any readymade code libraries and writing custom code as needed. They test the code and
fix bugs, and they also develop customised tools for use by other members of the development
team. Different platforms (games consoles, PCs, handhelds, mobiles, etc.) have particular
programming requirements and there are also various specialisms within programming.
It’s an increasingly complex process and large teams of Programmers might be involved in creating a
game, some in leadership roles, some working on just one aspect. Programmers are employed by
development studios – publisher owned and independent - cross platform graphics rendering, game
physics, sound management, AI, and other specialist tools.
A programmer would have to learn different programming languages in order to programme. Java
or C# or C++ (OOP, and quite important to get a job these days) are the main types of languages you
would need to know.
Types of programming
There are different types of programmers within the games industry:
Game engine programmer
Physics engine programmer
Artificial intelligence programmer
Sound programmer
Gameplay programmer
Scripter
UI programmer
Input programmer
Network programmer
Game tools programmer
Porting programmer
Technology programmer
Generalist
Lead game programmer
Each job requires different sets of skills for example an AI programmer develops the logic of the
game to simulate intelligence in enemies and opponents, whereas the lead programmer is ultimately
in charge of all programming for the game. Together the game produced will be complete and
professional as each programmer has to contribute to an area in the game.

4. Technical Development
Programmer/Lead Programmer
Experience needed
Notably, there are many game programmers with no formal education in the subject, having
started out as hobbyists and doing a great deal of programming on their own, for fun, and
eventually succeeding because of their aptitude and homegrown experience. However, most
job solicitations for game programmers specify a bachelor's degree (in mathematics, physics,
computer science, "or equivalent experience").
Increasingly, universities are starting to offer courses and degrees in game programming. Any
such degrees should offer a well-rounded education that includes all the fundamentals of
software engineering
Required skills
To become a programmer, employers will be looking for the following skills:
• In depth knowledge in one or more programming languages (e.g. PHP, .NET, HTML, C++, etc.)
• Ability to quickly learn about new IT packages and techniques
• Enjoy problem solving
• Good technical writing skills
• Ability to explain complex information in a clear manner
• Be able to work as an individual and as part of a team
• Be able to work to tight deadlines
• Work in a logical manner
Entry requirements
Most employers will be looking for you to have a degree or equivalent qualification to become a
programmer. It’s also essential for you to have qualifications in one or more programming
languages such as C++ or Visual Basic. The languages you can use will often define the
programming role you can work in. However, a many languages are similar, it’s possible to update
your knowledge, which will open up more employment possibilities.
You can start in a more junior IT role, such as working on a helpdesk. From here, you can build up
skills and experience to become a Programmer.
To help build up your qualifications, there is a range of courses available to you, including BTECs in
Computer Studies or IT, SQAs in IT, NVQs and SVQs and specialist IT, computer and programming
degrees.