




Games developers are involved in the creation and production of games for personal computers, games consoles, social/online games, arcade games, tablets, mobile phones and other hand held devices. Their work involves either design (including art and animation) or programming. Games development is a fast-moving, multi-billion pound industry. The making of a game from concept to finished product can take up to three years and involve teams of up to 200 professionals. There are many stages, including creating and designing a game's look and how it plays, animating characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localisation, testing and producing. The games developer job title covers a broad area of work and there are many specialisms within the industry. These include: quality assurance tester; programmer, with various specialisms such as network, engine, toolchain and artificial intelligence; audio engineer; artist, including concept artist, animator and 3D modeller; producer; editor; designer; special effects technician.