More Information About Game Programming Degrees
Becoming a Games Programmer
Games programmers are actually software engineers who have as their chief responsibility the development of a computer or video game. Games programming involves several very specialized programming areas, including graphics, sound, user interfaces, and scripting. Programming a game is different from designing a game, although many designers are programmers as well.
A modern computer game requires expertise in advanced physics, artificial intelligence, three-dimensional graphics, original music, and several input devices. It may also be designed for play across networks. Each one of these elements requires a programmer who specializes in that one area. Games programmers usually have an understanding of several of these aspects. The number of programmers required for each feature or game varies according to the type of game being developed.
Many games programmers currently employed in the industry do not have formal education in the subject; most began their work as hobbyists just having fun with code. Most employers that are looking for games programmers now require a B.A. degree in math, physics, computer science, or some type of equivalent.
Colleges and universities now offer specific courses of study that lead to a college-level degree in game programming. While few schools are currently accredited to offer such programs, more are becoming accredited all the time, and many institutions are adding games programming to their computer science programs. The growth in computer game degrees reflects the growth of the games industry itself.
Career advancement and salary in the games programming sector varies according to the game development specialty involved. In 2007, the average salary for a games programmer in the U.S. had reached $83,383 per year. This is comparable to compensation in the business sector, in spite of the fact that games programming is more difficult and time-consuming than the typical mainstream coding performed in the business arena.
Beginning games programmers – those with less than three years of experience – generally receive an average of $57,665 per year, while those with more than six years in the field are paid an average of $94,525 annually. Lead programmers receive the highest pay, but 3D-graphics programmers are paid a comparable amount. In 2007, lead programmers earned an average of $103,409 per year.
More Education Articles
