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Computer games developer

Also called Computer games designer, video games designer.

Computer game developers create video games for phones, tablets, PCs and consoles.

Potential salary
£27,000 starter to £71,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
30 to 45 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
Career area
Digital and data
Where they might work
You could work in a creative studio or in an office.
A typical task
work with level designers and graphic artists
Subjects that may help
at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
Typical route
You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research, Art, design and performance

Career actions

What you might do

  • work with level designers and graphic artists
  • decide what a game will look like and how it will be played
  • create concept art, drawings or storyboards at the planning stage
  • use computer modelling and animation software to make characters and scenes
  • add audio and sound effects
  • write code to programme the game
More tasks (1)
  • fix problems and 'bugs' that testers have found

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to write computer code
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
More skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Routes into this career

University route

  • You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
  • computer games design
  • computer games development
  • computer science
  • interactive media
  • mathematics
  • If you'd like a job that includes game design as well as programming, you could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like animation or graphic design.
  • You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that includes 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Animation

    Alternative route. Art roles in games are possible. Programming roles need a different portfolio.

  • Computer science

    Common route. Closer if the course includes graphics and real-time programming. A games degree is an alternative.

  • Games Development

    Direct qualifying route. A relevant degree can help, but studios usually hire from a portfolio.

  • Robotics and mechatronics

    Related, but not enough on its own. Games development is a software role. This degree is not the usual route.

  • Software Engineering

    Common route. Games jobs often want a portfolio as well as a degree.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You could apply to do a Higher Apprenticeship to get into this career, such as:
  • Software Developer Level 4
  • Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
  • Game Programmer Level 7 - postgraduate level
  • You may be able to start in a junior or assistant developer role by doing a Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship.
  • You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
  • If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
  • have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison
  • You'll usually need:
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • apprenticeship levels
  • guide to apprenticeships

Other routes

  • You could do a college course before moving on to a higher level qualification. It may help you to get a trainee position with a development company.
  • Courses include:
  • computing
  • creative media and games development
  • T Level in Digital Software Development
  • Entry requirements for these courses vary.
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to T Levels
  • funding advice for higher education courses in college
  • search for courses
Career progression
  • With experience you could become a senior developer, producer or technical director.
  • If you have a lot of skills and experience, you could become a freelance developer, working on games for a number of different companies.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

What you could do next