Video game developer - Job description
Missions, activities, skills, training
Video game developer - Job description
What is a video game developer?
Video Game Developers program, test and debug interactive games for various platforms such as consoles, PCs, mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and VR headsets.
They maintain their code and ensure the performance and playability of the final product.
What is the role of a video game developer?
- Participate in the development of video games for different platforms, using programming languages such as C++, C#, Lua, Python, etc.
- Writing and modifying code, testing, deploying and maintaining it
- Implement gameplay features, game mechanics and interactive systems in line with the project’s creative direction
- If a game engine is used, setting its parameters and adding functionalities as required
- Participate in performance optimisation
- Resolve technical problems throughout the development process
- Maintaining a technical, technological and competitive watch, and constantly striving to innovate
- On certain projects, work closely with the teams to integrate visual and sound elements into the game, if necessary
Who can a video game developer contact?
Video Game Developers work with the various video game professionals, such as Game Designers, Game Artists, Sound Designers, other video game programmers and the project producer, to ensure the consistency and quality of the game.
They also work closely with their supervisor, the Lead Developer, during collective code reviews. The Lead Developer also works with the Human Resources department to define a training plan to build skills over the medium and long term.
What qualities does a game developer need?
The qualities of a video game developer include :
- creativity and problem-solving skills
- the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- the ability to communicate technical ideas clearly
- the ability to learn new languages and development environments
- an interest in new technologies and science (particularly mathematics)
- an eye for detail, patience and perseverance
- good time management
Scientific skills required for a video game developer
The job of video game developer requires a solid understanding of computer science (algorithms), mathematics (algebra and geometry applied to 3D) and physics (2D/3D mechanics), to enable :
- the development of the kinematic and dynamic behaviour of the game’s virtual objects,
- the calculation of collisions between objects and their consequences (rebound, destruction)
- the development of NPC (Non-Player Character) behaviour using Artificial Intelligence techniques
- the simulation of particle movements (e.g. fluid mechanics)
- the creation of complex visual effects, with varying degrees of realism
- algorithm optimisation and scalability
Technical skills required for a video game developer
IT development covers a wide range of activities involved in creating software. This includes analysis, design, programming, testing, deployment and maintenance.
Video game developers therefore need a wide range of technical skills relating to programming, as well as project management skills:
Knowledge of game engines
Game engines are versatile and powerful tools that provide the components needed to create video games.
Video game developers commonly use engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, CryEngine, as well as proprietary engines.
Mastery of development technologies and languages
Depending on the platform (PC, console, mobile, web) and the game engine, the video game developer will use computer programming languages such as C++, C#, JavaScript, Python, Java, Objective-C/Swift, Lua, HTML5/CSS3, etc.
Graphic programming
Graphics programming includes the use of APIs (Application Programming Interface) such as DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, Shaders, etc.
Integration of advanced technologies
Developers integrate advanced digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), etc., to create immersive and innovative gaming experiences.
Design methods
There are several approaches to structuring the creative process and guaranteeing the consistency and quality of the final game.
The agile method is widely adopted in the video game industry. This project management approach favours short, regular iterations, flexibility and close collaboration with stakeholders to adapt quickly to changes and continually improve the product.
Iterative prototyping involves rapidly creating simplified versions of the game to test and refine gameplay concepts before developing full functionality.
User-centred design focuses on player feedback from the earliest stages of game development, enabling the game to be adjusted and improved.
Documentation and planning involves the creation of detailed documents, such as the Game Design Document (GDD) and the Technical Design Document (TDD), to describe aspects of the game and specify the technical details of implementation.
Modular design involves dividing the game into independent modules to facilitate development, testing and maintenance. It also enables existing components to be reused efficiently, speeding up the development process.
Collaborative methods include practices such as continuous integration and code reviews. Continuous integration involves regularly merging branches of code and
Version management and debugging tools
Video game developers often use version management systems such as Git, Perforce, Subversion, Mercurial, etc. to manage the source code and the various game assets.
They are also able to debug the various problems that arise during game development. They can use debugging tools such as Visual Studio, GDB, LLDB, Valgrind, etc.
Collaboration tools
Developers use online communication tools such as Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, etc., to collaborate with other team members and share files and resources.
Collaboration tools
Developers use online communication tools such as Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, etc., to collaborate with other team members and share files and resources.
Professional experience recommended
Relevant internships in the video game industry
ISART places the company and professional experience at the heart of its pedagogical approach.
Internships and work-study programs are an integral part of the curriculum.
Work-study experiences give students the opportunity to :
- put their skills into practice in a professional environment
- develop their soft skills (teamwork, communication, priority management, etc.)
- develop their employability
- expand their professional network
What are the career prospects for a video game developer?
The job of video game developer can lead to careers as a specialist programmer, lead programmer, Unreal Engine developer, IT engineer, gameplay programmer, etc.
Which companies recruit video game developers?
Video game developers work in studios specialising in the creation of video games. These studios may vary in size, be independent or under the management of a publisher.
Developers contribute to a variety of projects that allow them to diversify, explore new game genres and take part in different types of project.
Their skills enable them to move into other business sectors, such as health, finance, IT, aerospace, research, digital, emerging technologies, etc.
How do I become a Game Developer?
To become a Video Game Developer, here are some key steps to follow:
- Take a specialised course leading to a diploma, to acquire the business, technical and cross-disciplinary skills required.
- Carry out individual and group projects that vary in subject matter (platforms, engines, genre, target audience, etc.)
- Gain work experience in the studios during your course (internships, work placements, free lance, etc.)
- Take part in game jams and game development competitions
- Keep abreast of trends and innovative technologies
- Attend events to meet industry professionals and develop your network
- Build a solid portfolio
What's the best school to become a video game developer?
ISART is regularly ranked among the best video game schools in France and worldwide.
For the 3rd year running, ISART has been recognised as the 2nd best video game school in the world by the American website GAMEdu (2024).
For more than 23 years, the school has been offering courses in video games and virtual reality, providing students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in these constantly evolving fields.
What training do you need to become a video game developer?
ISART offers two courses to become a video game developer:
- The Game Programming course (Paris & Montreal campuses) trains complete, high-level programming profiles, who have both technical and scientific skills related to video games but also solid cross-disciplinary skills.
- The Game Design & Programming course (Paris & Nice campuses) trains students to master both game design and game programming. Students develop skills in gameplay programming, creative direction and project management. The course also introduces them to entrepreneurship.
Throughout the course, video game students work on the creation of a large number of original, high-quality games, either on their own or as part of a multi-disciplinary team (for consoles, mobiles, PCs and the web).
These projects enable them to learn how to organise and manage every stage in the production of a video game.
Other jobs that might interest you
Engine developer
The Video Game Engine Developer designs, develops and optimizes the game engine.
Gameplay Programmer
The job of Gameplay Programmer involves creating and implementing gameplay mechanisms.
The Gameplay Programmer participates in the production of multi-platform games by making the right technological choices.
Lead Developer
The Lead Developer guides and technically supervises the creation of a video game.
IA Engineer
Applied to video games, the Artificial Intelligence Engineer designs and develops AI functionalities to make games more immersive and enrich/improve the player’s experience.
