What does a game programmer do?
A game programmer is a type of software engineer who works in the gaming industry. They write code for games and work closely with other departments like game design and animation. If they are the lead programmer, they may be expected to assign jobs and manage the whole development process. If they are not the lead, they may be expected to develop codes so the game has 2D and 3D graphics.
Game programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real game programmer resumes:
- Co-Design and lead 3-person programming team for Dizzyball, a 3D action game for PC.
- Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
- Act as technical liaison to medical equipment manufacturers on issues of system configuration, data management and data extraction.
- Steam publish game written in JavaScript.
- Receive bug reports from QA and resolve the issues.
- Integrate skinning animation (with Assimp) to improve the game models.
- Perform daily maintenance and analyzing user request in batch and CICS applications.
- Analyze and implement information extraction system and place in a report format.
- Commission to develop mods for numerous games using the game's modding API.
- Guide and instruct students on creating their own prototype games for their portfolio.
- Work for Spherion (temp agency) at Diebold then hire by Diebold.
- Publish and create a remake of the game adventures of lolo with C++ and OpenGL
- Programme educational games in JavaScript, HTML5, and PHP, utilizing agile development methodologies.
- Design new casual games by blending classic childhood games with modern game rules from AAA titles.
- Modele, texture, and animate for game levels, objects, and characters using Maya.
Game programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Game Programmers are proficient in Unreal Engine, Game Development, and Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Troubleshooting skills, Analytical skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Game Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Unreal Engine, 12%
Created PBR materials for use in Unreal Engine 4.
- Game Development, 8%
Prepared documentation related to game development and bug fixing.
- Math, 7%
Helped facilitate original and modification math development with in-house statisticians.
- Object Oriented Programming, 7%
Changed procedural code to use object oriented programming techniques with abstraction for different hardware components on the robot.
- PC, 4%
Worked primarily on the Star Trek franchise, but also worked on other types of PC games as well.
- Animation, 4%
Collaborated with artists and implemented animation assets.
Common skills that a game programmer uses to do their job include "unreal engine," "game development," and "math." You can find details on the most important game programmer responsibilities below.
Troubleshooting skills. The most essential soft skill for a game programmer to carry out their responsibilities is troubleshooting skills. This skill is important for the role because "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." Additionally, a game programmer resume shows how their duties depend on troubleshooting skills: "programmed phone and dsl services by command codes data entry troubleshooting of dsl devices troubleshooting of phone hardware verbal and written communications"
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling game programmer duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." According to a game programmer resume, here's how game programmers can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "helped integrate database calls, hardware, and gameplay logic into game code. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for game programmers to perform their duties. For an example of how game programmer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a game programmer: "designed, coded, tested and documented business-oriented programs using object-oriented programming and c#, c++, and java languages. ".
The three companies that hire the most game programmers are:
- Meta161 game programmers jobs
- ZeniMax Media13 game programmers jobs
- CyberCoders4 game programmers jobs
Compare different game programmers
Game programmer vs. Web design/development
A web design/development is responsible for creating a high-performing website by utilizing programming skills and languages and digital expertise. This job requires working closely with the clients for the progress and updates, carefully analyzing their specifications and requirements, including the submission timeframe. A web design/development employee runs multiple diagnostic tests on the website, identifying its inconsistencies, and perform adjustments as needed to boost optimal performance and easy navigation. They must have excellent creativity on top of their computer expertise, especially on designing content and page structure, adhering to the business brand and functionality.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between game programmers and web design/development. For instance, game programmer responsibilities require skills such as "unreal engine," "game development," "math," and "pc." Whereas a web design/development is skilled in "wordpress," "html css," "jquery," and "adobe photoshop." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Web design/development really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $85,953. Comparatively, game programmers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $102,789.The education levels that web design/development earn slightly differ from game programmers. In particular, web design/development are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a game programmer. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Game programmer vs. Junior .net developer
The role of a junior .NET developer is to develop, improve, troubleshoot, and maintain computer software applications. You are expected to plan, design, and develop new feature functionality of a software application, and identify, debug, and troubleshoot defects. Additionally, you are responsible for configuring new and existing computer systems and offer user support. Other duties include coordinating with other software developers and professionals in the development of applications, creating user interfaces and client displays, and assisting in handling projects.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that game programmer responsibilities requires skills like "c #," "unreal engine," "game development," and "math." But a junior .net developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sql server," "net core," "jquery," and "c net."
On average, junior .net developers earn a lower salary than game programmers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, junior .net developers earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $99,490. Whereas game programmers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $102,789.junior .net developers earn higher levels of education than game programmers in general. They're 10.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for game programmers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Game programmer vs. Web application developer
A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, game programmers are more likely to have skills like "c #," "unreal engine," "game development," and "math." But a web application developer is more likely to have skills like "web application," "database," "html css," and "jquery."
Web application developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $88,928. Game programmers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $102,789.Most web application developers achieve a higher degree level compared to game programmers. For example, they're 6.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Game programmer vs. Applications developer
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between game programmers and applications developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a game programmer might have more use for skills like "c #," "unreal engine," "game development," and "math." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of applications developers require skills like "database," "application development," "regression," and "scrum. "
In general, applications developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,905. The highest-paying industry for a game programmer is the technology industry.In general, applications developers hold higher degree levels compared to game programmers. Applications developers are 8.6% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of game programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
