What does a video game developer do? Learn about their role

Video game programming is a fascinating discipline that combines art, technology and storytelling to create interactive experiences. A videogame programmer is in charge of turning game ideas and concepts into working code, ensuring that the game is playable, interactive and engaging for users. This professional does not just write code, but collaborates with other teams, such as designers, artists and producers, to bring a creative vision to life.

The field of video game development is diverse, with different specialisations, such as game engine programming, artificial intelligence, graphics, networking and physics. The videogame programmer must have a deep knowledge of mathematics, algorithms, and mastery of programming languages such as C++, C# and Python, as well as knowledge of the most popular development tools and engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine.

Qualifications required to become a video games programmer

What branch does a career in video game development belong to? To become a video game developer, although it is not always strictly necessary to have a university degree, many companies prefer candidates with a solid background in areas such as:

• Computer Engineering.
• Software Development.
• Applied Mathematics.
• Computer Graphics.

In many cases, developers may also have access to specialised training in video game development, which include both university degrees and intensive courses. Within this category we can highlight our training Advanced Course in Videogame Programming with Unity.

This training is for those interested in entering the exciting field of video game development. In addition, it is common for trainees to be self-taught, developing their own projects or collaborating on open source projects to create robust portfolios.

Tasks of a video game developer

The job of a video game programmer varies depending on the stage of development and their specialisation within the team. Some of the most common tasks include:

1. Writing and debugging codeTransforming designers' ideas into playable functionalities through programming.
2. Creating algorithms for AIProgramming the behaviour of non-playable characters (NPCs) and other autonomous elements within the game.
3. Implement graphics and physics: Develop and optimise the graphics engine, ensuring that visual effects and physical simulation are smooth and realistic.
4. Collaborate in the design and development of video games.: Work with designers to fine-tune and test gameplay.
5. Optimising performance: Ensure that the game works well on multiple platforms (PC, consoles, mobile), avoiding problems such as poor performance or long loading times.
6. Game engine developmentUse engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine or Godot to build the game.

Requirements to become a video game programmer

Becoming a video game programmer requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. Apart from proper training, some of the most common requirements include:

1. Proficiency in programming languagesMainly C++, C# and JavaScript, as these are the most commonly used in the creation of video games.
2. Knowledge of game enginesFamiliarity with engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine or Godot.
3. Mathematics and physicsA good understanding of advanced mathematical concepts and physics is crucial for programming aspects of the game such as collisions, trajectories and character movement.
4. Problem solving skills: Ability to troubleshoot and optimise code to improve performance.
5. Teamwork: Collaboration with designers, artists and other programmers is essential in game development.

Salary of a video game programmer

In Spain, the salary of a video game programmer also varies depending on experience, location and size of the company. The approximate salary ranges are as follows:

• Junior ProgrammerProgrammers with little experience or new entrants to the sector can expect salaries in the range from 20,000 and 30,000 euros per year.
• Senior ProgrammerWith several years' experience and a higher level of responsibility, salaries can range from 35,000 and 55,000 euros per year.
• Technical lead or principal engineerIn leadership roles or roles with advanced technical responsibilities, salaries can be higher than 60,000 per year, especially in large or international companies based in Spain.

These ranges can vary depending on the city (in places like Madrid or Barcelona, salaries tend to be higher) and the company, as some startups or smaller companies may offer lower salaries than international or large studios in the sector.

The videogame programmer plays a fundamental role in the creation of games, transforming ideas into interactive experiences. Training, both self-taught and academic, is crucial, as is the mastery of industry-specific tools and languages. In addition, a problem-solving and team-oriented mindset is required. Despite the challenges and competitiveness of the video games industry, this profession offers creative and lucrative opportunities for those with a passion for video games and technology.