Game Developer
Build video games for console, PC, mobile or VR - from indie passion projects to AAA studios.
This UK game developer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £40,000 - £65,000
- Senior salary
- £70,000 - £110,000+
- Work environment
- Studio or remote, often crunch periods
- Time to entry
- 2 - 5 years
- Degree required
- Helpful (games dev or CS) but portfolio matters more
- Category
- Technology
What a Game Developer does
Build video games for console, PC, mobile or VR - from indie passion projects to AAA studios.
- Gameplay Programmer - Build the systems players actually interact with - combat, movement, AI.
- Engine / Tools Programmer - Build the engine and tooling the rest of the studio uses.
How to become a Game Developer
- Look up Game Developer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Game Developer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- C++, C# or Unity/Unreal
- Maths and physics
- Game design
- Version control
- Optimisation