Developers/programmers are the main component to all video games production; as they create the code that makes the game function. This course is designed for anyone with little or no experience of developing. The course starts with learning the basics of game development right through to 3D programming.
The course has been created by the games industry for the games industry. They give the student a blend of both technical teaching and learning infrastructure that is relevant.
The course is a mixture of home-based learning and the use of a remote intranet system that allows you to interact with lectures, course tutors and fellow students. You will need a basic computing knowledge, but most importantly you need a passion and commitment towards games development.
From the start you will be learning and using the gaming programming language of C++, which is the universal game-making tool with writing code. The next stage for you will be to learn to write some basic gaming programs that will follow with learning 2D and finishing on 3D programming. At the end of the course you will have a good knowledge of video games development and you will have working examples of your work to show prospective developer companies at your interview.
Games Developer Salary and Conditions
- Starting salary of £18,000-£25,000, with a typical salary at senior level with several years of experience of between £35,000 up to £70,000 (salary depends on company type, size and location of employer).
- Some companies offer bonuses or a profit-sharing scheme.
- Working hours are usually flexible, with many developers starting later than 9am. However, working hours are generally long and developers often work a 40-hour week or more.
- In order to try to meet games completion deadlines, games development teams may need to work a 60 to 80-hour week, including work over the weekends.
- The role is typically office, studio or production house based, although there are some freelancers working from home.
- Developers tend to work in a team environment. In order to meet the complex nature of contemporary games, the size of teams can reach almost 200 individuals. It is not uncommon for groups and individual team members to be located remotely, both in the UK and other parts of the world.
*(Source – Prospects.ac.uk) (2010)
