Game programmers develop source code for video games, including game engine development, AI, sound, and user interface. They work with producers, artists, and writers to bring a developer’s vision to market. They also optimize network code and port games to other systems.
A game programmer is a person who helps develop source code for video games and other computer entertainment. There are many jobs by game programmers that fall into this category, including game engine development, artificial intelligence (AI), sounds, and user interface. When the game is nearing completion, additional programmers can be brought in to help optimize the network code and port the game to additional systems. All game programmers work closely with producers, artists, and writers to help bring a developer’s vision to market.
Most modern video games are not designed from scratch. They use the existing physics and graphics engines, which are heavily modified to create the game world and game that the developer envisioned. Much work by game programmers involves tweaking the source code of these engines to produce what the consumer eventually experiences when playing the game. Coders experienced in this field can work directly for video game developers or for the companies that create the basic engines on which games are built.
Other jobs by game programmers involve developing the artificial intelligence that controls the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) in the game world. AI behavior is a critical component of how the game is received by reviewers and players alike. Bad or buggy AI can cause NPCs to behave bizarrely or unrealistically. A good AI will help maintain immersion and provide the player with challenging opponents or useful allies during their gameplay experience.
Sound design in video games often involves composers and programmers working together to produce music, speech, and sound effects. Game programmers’ jobs in this category involve producing sounds and properly synchronizing them with visual events that occur within the game. Good sound design helps create a mood for the game and provides important feedback to the player as they explore the environment.
One of the game programmer’s most important jobs is the development of the user interface (UI), which provides the means for the player to interact with the game world. This work typically involves determining the best way to configure the game controller or keyboard and mouse for the game. The UI programmer will also help determine what type of information on the screen will appear to help the player react to game events, as well as help him manage his character’s health, equipment, and abilities.
Some game programmer jobs start after the basic systems are in place. Multiplayer games running over the Internet require network programmers to help optimize the network code and reduce the latency or lag that exists between different consoles or terminals. In some cases, the developer or publisher may want to sell the game on more than one system, and a team of specialized programmers may be hired to help port the game to another console. These programmers will need to ensure that the source code is modified to work correctly with other systems.
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