11 October 2005

Working So Others Can Play: Jobs in Video Game Development
Part 3: Programmers, Other Occupations, and Resources
by Olivia Crosby, contributing editor to Occupation Outlook Quarterly

(If you missed Part 1, click here)
(If you missed Part 2, click here)

Game programmers are software engineers who plan and write video game software. They turn ideas, art, and music into a game that works.

When designers describe an event in the game, programmers translate the idea into mathematical equations the computer understands. As a vehicle physics programmer for a racing game by Angel Studios in Carlsbad, California, Santiago Beccera wrote algorithms for the movement of cars in his game. The algorithms describe how the cars turn corners; how quickly they accelerate, decelerate, and stop; and how they react to crashes. "The mathematician we were working with understood the physics of the car," he says. "The designer knew how it should feel to the player. I was balancing the two."

Game programmers control the speed and placement of art and sound. They control how high a car flies over a jump, for example. In a low gravity environment, like space, programmers might instruct the computer to move the car to a higher position to make the jump bouncier.

Game programmers search for the most efficient way to write software. They need to accomplish as much as possible with the fewest possible instructions and a fast processing time. A slightly faster program could give artists hundreds of additional polygons to use or game designers room for more features. Online and 3-D games make speed even more critical.

Video game software needs to be flexible as well as fast. Good programmers write code that can be changed without destroying the game. Some games have features allowing players to add new levels and effects. If a program is sufficiently flexible, large parts of the software can be used in other games.

There are many specialists on a programming team—including engine, artificial intelligence, graphics, sound, and tool programmers—each handling a different aspect of programming games. "Programmers deal with graphics, artificial intelligence, user interfaces, the Internet—there are so many different kinds of problems to solve," says designer and former lead programmer Christina Mcgavin, a game designer at Maxis Studios in Redwood, California. These programmers all work under a lead programmer or technical director.

Engine programmers write the software that makes video games run. Graphics engine programmers, for example, control how graphics are stored and reproduced by the computer. As part of this job, they might write a collision program to prevent objects from moving through each other when they touch.

They might also write a culling program to find and eliminate unnecessary pieces of art, like skin hidden under clothing or details of a far away object. The fewer polygons rendered, the faster the game. Recently, engine programmers have tried to make video games automatically reduce their level of detail when they run on a slow computer.

Artificial intelligence programmers write code to make computer-controlled characters act realistically. They write a set of rules to dictate how characters react to the player.

Because space is limited in video game software, game artificial intelligence has been rudimentary in the past. But faster computers are making better artificial intelligence possible.

Graphics programmers work with artists to perfect the playback of animations. Sound programmers work with sound designers in the same way. They might improve the game's authenticity by adding random sounds to a repeating sound loop.

Tool programmers write software for artists, designers, and sound designers to use within the development studio. Some of these software tools convert art, sound, and game play into data that will work in the game. Other tools help developers to edit their work and see how it will look when the game is finished.

To make the development process easier, tool programmers tweak their tools and add helpful features. Other members of the team come to them with wish lists and suggestions.

Skills and training. Because they are translating ideas into numerical equations, programmers need strong math skills. "In high school and college, I took as much math as I could," says Becerra. "I use ideas from trigonometry, linear algebra, and analytical geometry all the time." These subjects teach programmers to describe how the objects in a video game move through space and hone programmers' ability to manipulate numbers.

Game programmers should learn C and C++, as these are the programming languages most often used in the industry. Many jobs also require assembly language.

Standards change quickly in the industry; programmers need to learn new languages and techniques throughout their careers.

Most game programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, although some major in related subjects, such as cognitive science and electrical engineering. Those working on complex problems, such as a new artificial intelligence system, sometimes have advanced degrees.

Earnings. According to BLS, computer engineers—including hardware and software engineers—across all industries earned an average of $59,850 in 1998. Programmers across all industries earned an average of $47,550. BLS does not collect data specifically for software engineers and programmers in the video game industry.

However, most game programmers fall into the BLS category of computer engineer because they design game software or apply mathematical theory to solve programming problems. Many entry-level game programmers who spend most of their time coding software rather than designing it or applying theory fall into the category of programmer.

The survey at the 1999 Game Developers conference found that game programmers with more than 1 year of experience earned an average of $59,127 in 1998. Lead programmers earned more. According to job search agency surveys, experienced game programmers usually earn a base salary of between $60,000 and $80,000 annually.

Testers play games for a living. They find errors in video game software before it is shipped to stores. They play each part of a game, trying to ferret out graphic glitches, computer crashes, and other bugs. "I play games most of the day," says Cory Nelson, a testing manager at Interplay Studios, in Irvine, California.

Most of the problems testers find are technical: characters who walk through walls, artwork or sound that disappears, or a game level that won’t load. Other problems are with gameplay. "If you spend two hours getting past a monster and only earn two points, there’s something wrong," says Nelson. Testers identify places that are too hard, too easy, or too confusing.

Testers write reports describing each problem they find. "When you find a problem, you retrace your steps until you track down exactly what caused it," says Don Ramakers, a tester at Interplay. Programmers have to reproduce the bugs before they fix them.

Video games are tested methodically to increase the chances of finding a bug. This might involve playing one part of the game repeatedly. "Most of the time, what I do doesn't feel like a job," says Ramakers. "I love playing games. But when I'm going through the same level for the 20th time, it starts to feel like a job."

Sometimes, testers have a hand in fixing the problems they find. They can make design suggestions. For some video games, they might control the strength of characters in the game. They adjust the strengths until the game is most fun and propose their selections to the development team.

Skills and training. Testers should be able to communicate clearly. The bug reports that testers write must be concise and easy to understand. Some companies require applicants to submit a brief writing sample.

Testers should also be technologically astute. They use database software to type, organize, and track bug reports. Video game testing does not require formal education. But some testers are encouraged to earn computer technician certificates.

Most importantly, testers have to be expert game players. They need good dexterity and coordination. This is especially important when testing difficult levels. Testing is impossible if you can’t keep your character in the game.

The best testers have experience playing many kinds of video games. Game publishers prefer testers with versatility.

Earnings. There are no BLS data for game testers. According to job announcements, temporary testers usually earn between $6.50 and $8.00 an hour.

Development studios need many other occupations to keep the business running. The following are a few of the most common, presented in the order in which they usually are involved in a video game's development.

• Producers keep the video game on schedule and within budget, coordinate testing, and keep team members informed of each other's progress.

• Intellectual property lawyers help developers copyright their games and secure patents for new programming tools.

• Market analysts identify the video game’s target audience, find ways to increase consumer demand, and conduct focus groups.

• Two kinds of customer service workers answer phone calls and e-mails from players. Game counselors give players hints on beating the game. Technical support workers, sometimes called computer support workers, answer questions about hardware and software problems.

• Foreign language translators convert a video game’s text and dialogue to other languages so the game can be sold worldwide.

Video game developers like many things about their jobs. The chance to be creative and the excitement of making a fun product are just a couple. However, like every job, development has downsides.

Developers love the thrill of trying to do what no one has done before. "I’m always trying to solve some problem with the game," says Beccera. "I can’t wait to go to work and figure it out. It’s the most exciting programming job there is." Michael Saladino, the lead programmer at Presto Studios in San Diego, California, agrees. "I get paid to solve puzzles I’d want to solve anyway," he says.

Jones, a computer animator, works on puzzles of a different sort. "There are so many ways to do something," she says. "I love to find the best way to combine art with technology."

Video game studios also offer casual work environments. "You can wear jeans and a T-shirt every day," says Ramakers. Moreover, many video game companies offer perks for workers such as free sodas, subsidized lunches, and onsite gyms.

Studios offer traditional benefits as well. Many give workers stock options, health insurance, vacation pay, and bonuses for completing a game.

The best rewards are not financial, though. When a video game hits the shelves, developers see people enjoying what they have made. "Kids are so impressed when I tell them what I do," says Jones. And video game players of all ages are vocal with their praise. "When fans like your work," says Frazzier, "they let you know right away." Successful developers are deluged with fan e-mails.

Late nights and big risks

Game development isn’t always so glamorous. You may spend late nights playing video games, but developers spend late nights making them. They work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. "I've put in 12-hour days or stayed until 2 or 3 in the morning," says Beccera. Riley kept a sleeping bag under his desk at Bethesda Softworks. "I'm practically living here by the end of a project," he says.

Testers’ work schedules are especially irregular, usually including nights or weekends. Many work part time, and most are hired for only one game. Small developing studios bring in teams for short periods. But large publishing houses have a year-round staff.

Making video games may also bring disappointment. Despite all the hard work that goes into creating them, many games never make it to the stores. "Only a small percentage of games are published," says Becerra. "That can be demoralizing."

Frequent job changes are another drawback. Many development companies are small startups, where the work lasts only as long as a single project. Workers must be prepared to work for many companies throughout their careers.

Preparing for a career in video game development starts early. Developers say high school and college students should get a well-rounded education. Students should study math to hone their reasoning skills and study writing and liberal arts to nurture their creativity. Finding opportunities to work as a member of a team is also useful.

After high school, students need education and training specific to the game occupation they want to pursue as a career. Most of these occupations require training in computer programming or the arts. The training recommended for each specific occupation is discussed above in the skills and training section for that occupation.

People who want to develop video games usually need some experience before they land their first job. Many people begin as hobbyists, making simple games themselves or with friends. They learn how by reading books and websites. Participating in class projects or internships is also a good way to get experience.

When applying for jobs, candidates are expected to demonstrate their skill. Artists and sound designers compile short demo reels of their best work. They send the demo and a resume to employers.

Programmers, too, often send a few small pieces of software they’ve written. "We look for some kind of programming experience," says Keeper. "Most people have programmed something in college. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a game, just a small piece of software that works."

Testing is another occupation of entry into the development job market. The lack of specialized training required makes testing one of the easiest ways to gain industry experience. Because much of the work is part time, students can work as testers while attending school.

Experienced testers may become managers or team leaders. They organize and track the work of other testers, allocating the team’s time to find the most destructive bugs.

Testing is often a stepping stone to other occupations. Some testers move into producer or project management positions. Those with the right training sometimes make the leap into artistic or programming jobs.

College internships are one of the best ways to start a career in video game development. An internship will help you confirm your interest and help you secure a permanent job when the time comes.

As mentioned previously, game development studios value experience. Many developers start out as interns for that reason. "We need people who can contribute to the team right away," says Saladino, a programmer, designer, and former intern. "We’ve had a lot of success with interns."

An intern’s work varies by occupation. Art students might draw icons and textures and add color to 3-D models. Sound students might help to record sounds and to gather and create sound effects. And programming students might write code for one function in the game or help the graphics programmer import graphics into the game.

Many students intern after their junior year in college, but timing is flexible. Saladino started interning after his first year in college. Beccera began his internship while working on a master’s degree.

You should look for opportunities at least 6 months before you want to work as an intern. Game company websites, Internet job boards, newspaper classified advertisements, and career counseling offices are good places to find openings. Contacting companies without published openings is also suggested. Many small companies that don’t advertise still accept interns.

The video game industry is highly competitive. Entry-level sound designers have the most difficulty finding jobs because most designers are hired for only a short time during the later phases of development. The importance and prestige of music in video games is growing, but for now, there are few jobs. Some sound designers supplement game development work with other scoring jobs.

But some occupations are easier to enter. Qualified programmers, especially those with 3-D skills or artificial intelligence expertise, are in high demand. Also in demand are artists with experience using the latest modeling and animation software. They are the most likely to find jobs. Artists without as much experience working in 3-D often start out in texture mapping jobs.

Where you live, too, affects your chances of finding a development job. Most video game companies are located in California, Washington, Texas, or Massachusetts. If you don't live in one of those States, you might face even more competition. But would-be developers don't always have to relocate. More than 15 States have at least one small game studio. Some of the websites listed at the end of this article include directories of company names and locations.

To learn more about video game development, visit your public library for books about programming, animation, and game design. Some libraries also subscribe to industry magazines, such as Game Developers Magazine and The Cursor.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, available at most libraries, has information about the duties, working conditions, training requirements, and job prospects for over 250 occupations. While the Handbook does not specifically address the video game industry, it does include general information about artists, musicians, broadcast technicians, computer programmers, and computer engineers.

Career counseling offices are another good source of information. Counselors may be able to help you find internship, volunteer, and job shadowing opportunities. And they can help you choose appropriate courses.

The Internet also has a wealth of information about video game jobs. Each of the sites listed below includes a set of links to other pages with more information.

Animation World Magazine includes articles about animation jobs in the film, television, and video game industries. http://www.awn.com/mag 

Gamasutra includes articles written by professional game developers describing technical innovations and offering accounts of recent development projects. http://www.gamasutra.com 

Game Developers Network includes development resources and a dictionary of development terms. http://www.gamedev.net 

Gamejobs.com offers a list of video game companies and a list of available jobs. http://www.gamejobs.com 

Get in the game includes articles about job searching and industry developments. http://www.gignews.com 

Skillsnet provides an overview of multimedia and video game occupations, including job descriptions, interviews, training requirements, and links to other sites. http://www.skillsnet.net 

Video game companies also have corporate websites. Many include job descriptions and offer a glimpse into the development process.

Professional associations are another source of information like the International Game Developers Association at www.igda.org.

There are at least two schools in the US devoted exclusively to training digital entertainment developers. For more information, contact:

DigiPen Institute of Technology
5001 - 150th Ave, NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-0299
http://www.digipen.edu 

Full Sail University
University Bld. Suite 160
Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 679-0100
www.fullsail.com 

<<<Back to GIG Home  <<<Back to Part 2