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What does a game engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

The main task of a game engineer is to design software programs for computer games. Game engineers develop gaming networks and programs for third-party-usage. They create the mechanics of the games, which are coordinated with a story. Also called specialized software engineers, they create coding sequences for gameplay. They may need to establish various codes for gaming devices. The skills they need include knowledge of gaming trends, teamwork skills, programming language proficiency, and creativity.

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Game engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real game engineer resumes:

  • Manage Terraform and refactore from monolithic to application specific components.
  • Design and develop mobile and PC strategy F2P MMO in Java, PlayN, and Box2D.
  • Localize support web sites in JavaScript and PHP.
  • Full ownership of verifying and debugging the game.
  • Work with animators and tools developers to improve animation blend tool.
  • Integrate levels with UI, leaderboard, achievement and persistence systems.
  • Design, develop and program mobile game application and PC games.
  • Develop software in Java that stores, catalogs and retrieves network packets.
  • Design and develop a first-person shooting game by Unity3D in a teamwork.
  • Programme in-app purchase feature for the IOS version of the game (i.e.
  • Design JavaScript API to expose game scores to integration layer and server-side code.
  • Design and implement scalable, reliable and maintainable algorithm for interactive iOS gaming platform.
  • General computer assistance (rebuilding of systems, program installation, system debugging).
  • Design websites using HTML, Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage, Wordpress, Drupal and other content management systems.
  • Perform simple Unix tasks, such as command line inputs, changing environment variables, or modifying user permissions.

Game engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Game Engineers are proficient in Unity, Python, and Game Engine. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Detail oriented.

We break down the percentage of Game Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Unity, 14%

    Designed and developed mobile F2P RPG gameplay, metagame, and UI in Unity with C#.

  • Python, 12%

    Localized toolchain of Bash, Ruby, and Python scripts.

  • Game Engine, 9%

    Programmed complicated trigonometry, programmed algorithms and game engines/frameworks.

  • Animation, 9%

    Collaborated with artists and implemented animation assets.

  • Java, 8%

    Designed and developed mobile and PC strategy F2P MMO in Java, PlayN, and Box2D.

  • UI, 7%

    Interfaced with artists to implement the UI supporting aspects of Kinect, Move, and Gunsmith.

"unity," "python," and "game engine" are among the most common skills that game engineers use at work. You can find even more game engineer responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a game engineer to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Additionally, a game engineer resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "provided hands-on contribution to extensive software development project and served as primary line of communication between company, customers and stakeholders. "

Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling game engineer duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." According to a game engineer resume, here's how game engineers can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "implemented java design patterns to develop game modules facilitated parsing of xml-based data and client-server interaction to run the game"

Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of game engineers is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday game engineer duties, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "worked with a team, both onsite and offsite, to develop kuboo a kids oriented free to play mmo. "

Creativity. For certain game engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "creativity." The day-to-day duties of a game engineer rely on this skill, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what game engineers do: "developed and invented a tool to auto-generate html for hypertext navigation of the xml source code for adt. "

Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for game engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of game engineers all the time, as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." An excerpt from a real game engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a game engineer does: "developed multiple ai solutions for various projects. "

See the full list of game engineer skills

Compare different game engineers

Game engineer vs. Developer

Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible. They are responsible for designing the system through coding and basic user interface design. They also work on troubleshooting any challenges that may be met at the testing stage of the program's development. They solve challenges and ensure that minimal problems will arise upon publishing the system or application. They also manage the evaluation to ensure that the program's goals are accomplished and that the end-users are satisfied with the results.

We looked at the average game engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a developer. Generally speaking, developers are paid $4,900 lower than game engineers per year.Even though game engineers and developers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require python, java, and ui in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a game engineer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "unity," "game engine," and "animation." On the other hand, a job as a developer requires skills like "javascript," "git," "aws," and "jquery." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Developers earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $104,286. On the other hand, game engineers are paid more in the start-up industry with an average salary of $113,965.The education levels that developers earn slightly differ from game engineers. In particular, developers are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a game engineer. Additionally, they're 2.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Game engineer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

On average, software developers earn a $17,455 lower salary than game engineers a year.A few skills overlap for game engineers and software developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "python," "java," and "ui. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, game engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "c #," "unity," "game engine," and "animation." Meanwhile, a software developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "software development," "javascript," "database," and "debugging." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Software developers earn a lower average salary than game engineers. But software developers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138. Additionally, game engineers earn the highest salaries in the start-up with average pay of $113,965 annually.In general, software developers achieve similar levels of education than game engineers. They're 0.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for game engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Game engineer vs. Senior applications engineer

A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On average scale, senior applications engineers bring in higher salaries than game engineers. In fact, they earn a $3,013 higher salary per year.By looking over several game engineers and senior applications engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "c #," "java," and "ui." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from game engineer resumes include skills like "unity," "python," "game engine," and "animation," whereas a senior applications engineer is more likely to list skills in "database," "technical support," "javascript," and "provide customer support. "

Senior applications engineers make a very good living in the insurance industry with an average annual salary of $111,125. On the other hand, game engineers are paid the highest salary in the start-up industry, with average annual pay of $113,965.When it comes to education, senior applications engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to game engineers. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Game engineer vs. Senior systems software engineer

A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Senior systems software engineers tend to earn a higher pay than game engineers by an average of $17,299 per year.While their salaries may vary, game engineers and senior systems software engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "python," "java," and "ui. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "c #," "unity," "game engine," and "animation" are skills that commonly show up on game engineer resumes. On the other hand, senior systems software engineers use skills like software development, architecture, c, and scrum on their resumes.senior systems software engineers enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $125,048. For comparison, game engineers earn the highest salary in the start-up industry.senior systems software engineers reach similar levels of education compared to game engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of game engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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