Games Programmer or Developer

A games programmer (also called a games developer) writes the code that makes a video game work. Their code controls what objects on screen do and how the player interacts with the game. For example, in a kart-racing game they might write the code that makes a kart speed up when you hold the accelerator and slow down when you release it.

What the role involves

This is a technical role. The focus is on making the game function rather than deciding how it should look. A programmer turns plans from designers and artwork from artists into working features, such as a character moving, a score increasing or a menu opening.

Specialisms

Programmers often specialise in particular game systems. One might work on a crafting system, another on saving progress, and another on online matches. Specialising lets each person build deep knowledge of one part while the team covers the whole game.

Roles in games production

Games production also uses roles similar to screen production. Actors provide voices and performances, animators create movement for characters, and modellers build the 3D objects and environments. These roles work alongside programmers so the finished game has believable characters, animation and settings.