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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

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