Job Description

Computer games developers use their creative flair and technology skills to design and create games for PCs, mobile devices, games consoles and arcade machines. Developers will take the game designers' ideas and write code to turn them into a playable game with visuals and sound.

Entry Requirements

There are various ways in which you can get into this job role.

College

You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications. Courses include:

A level in Computing
Computing or Information Technology Diploma
Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production or Games Development

You may need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

The following local colleges offer courses in :

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced or higher apprenticeship in creative and digital media or software development, or a software developer or junior 2D artist higher apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship (level 3)
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship (4,5,6,7)

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

computer games technology
computer games development
computer science
interactive media
mathematics

You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that has a work placement.

You'll usually need:

at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Work

You could start as a quality assurance (QA) tester if you have plenty of experience of game playing.

You'll usually need an IT qualification or work experience. Employers will be interested in your talent and creativity. You may also find it helps to have A levels or a diploma in relevant subjects like computing or media production.

Career tips

You can create a portfolio of work or online demo to highlight your skills to potential employers.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior developer, producer or technical director.

If you develop your own successful game independently, you could increase your income significantly.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Animator
Web developer
Computer games tester
Software developer
Web designer

Required Skills

Good technical abilities
Good problem solving skills
Enthusiasm
The ability to work to deadlines
Flexibility
The ability to communicate your ideas effectively

Salary Range

£19,500 to £59,000

Computer Games Developer