How to Become a Video Game Developer

Video game developers program, debug, and design core video game features, reshaping concepts into playable experiences. Some are skilled software developers, while others might have expertise in design elements, such as user interface (UI) design. 

With the continued growth of online gaming, demand for 3D games, and the rise of high bandwidth networks, the video game market is steadily expanding—and development is a desirable role for gamers with a technology or design background. Not only does the US video game market have a projected value of $103.8 billion by 2027 [1], but as of 2023, 65 percent of Americans now game for at least one hour per week [2]. 

If you’re a creative, computer-savvy person who’s passionate about video games, a career in game development could be a rewarding next step. Discover how to become a video game developer.

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What does a video game developer do?

Video game developers create, test, and update video games. As a developer, you may work alongside game designers to transform storyboards and ideas into software playable on consoles or computers. You might also collaborate with artists, graphic designers, and other developers as part of a cohesive team. 

Some developers contribute to game design, while others are primarily programmers. Video game designers lead numerous major steps in the development process (story, visuals, etc.). Programmers, including developers who specialize in programming, build the software that helps games run smoothly. As you launch your development career, you might find it valuable to learn about design in addition to coding and other technical skills.

A game developer’s day-to-day responsibilities could include:

• Coding with different programming languages: Learning various programming languages (such as C++, C#, and JavaScript) can help you diversify your development capabilities.

• Learning and utilizing game engines: To streamline video game production, you might employ a popular game engine like Unreal or Unity. Engines are software infrastructures that offer useful resources and tools to game creators.

• Testing and debugging game code: By performing quality assurance (QA) testing and debugging software code, you can help your game run as intended (without the need for costly fixes late in development). 

• Collaborating with designers and other team members: You can work alongside designers or other team members to craft a successful project.

Depending on the size of your team and how far along you are in development, your duties as a developer can be flexible. Early in the process, for example, you may need to pitch your game idea to publishers; this could help you gain resources or earn publishing and distribution support. 

Video game developer salary and outlook

Video game developers in the US make an average base salary of $91,124 per year as of January 2025 [3]. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA)’s 2023 Developer Satisfaction Survey reports that 73 percent of developers earn over $50,000 per year, which is an increase from 63 percent in 2021 [4]. 

How to become a game developer

The video game industry has grown massively since the late-twentieth-century arcade days, making it a desirable field for programmers seeking to flex both their creative and technical skills. Your journey could be unique, but a few educational and professional steps are worth exploring if you’re aiming to get into game development. 

Pursue an education.

To get into video game development, you might start by earning a degree or other credential. While some colleges offer degree programs, minors, or concentrations in game development, you can also pursue a degree in software engineering or a related technical field. 

Approximately 80 percent [4] of game developers have a degree from a university, college, or vocational school, making this a highly educated field. 

Alternatively, the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate (or similar Professional Certificates) can help you build strong foundational skills in programming or other aspects of game development, depending on what you’re most eager to learn. Specializations such as C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development from the University of Colorado are another option if you’re striving to develop skills specific to game development or design.

Build your video game development skills.

You can hone your game development skills with practice and self-study—with or without a degree. Skills worth learning as a video game developer may include:

• Game engine proficiency (Unreal Engine, Unity 3D, etc.)

• Design experience

• Willingness to collaborate and work as a team

• Problem-solving 

• Knowledge of gaming trends

• Coding with various programming languages (Lua, Java, JavaScript, C# for Unity, C++ for Unreal Engine)

You may want to try starting small. If you’re a first-time developer and want to begin learning, try developing basic software or mods for your favorite games, if that’s an option. As you get more confident in your abilities, you might contribute to open source projects or build advanced projects of your own. 

Choose a specialization.

Start by assessing what types of games you’d like to create, whether you’d like to work with a small team or at a major studio, and which console (or consoles) you’re interested in developing games for. If a specific game element—such as level design or sound engineering—interests you most, you may choose to specialize in that. These preferences might evolve as you gain experience in the field.

You can even consider the types of games you enjoy playing: Do you love narrative-heavy role-playing games (RPGs), or would you rather play a first-person shooter? What about a classic roguelike with turn-based mechanics and procedurally generated levels? If you’re already passionate about a specific genre, you might also find yourself drawn to it as a developer.

Some developers prefer to work on independent game titles, while others are interested in large-scale digital services where they can update games with exciting new content.

Gain professional experience.

Gaining on-the-job game development experience can help you discover your niche, hone your technical or creative skills, and make valuable connections within the industry. If you’re a student or recent graduate, you may be able to land an internship at a game studio.

Full-time employment isn’t the only option for game developers. You can also gain valuable experience through contract or freelance work, which may require specialized skills. Remember to keep your portfolio current as you work on or complete new projects.

Video game developer career path

Depending on your educational and professional background, you might start in another game industry role or secure an entry-level development position after graduating college. It’s also possible to switch from another technical field.

Advancing in the game industry, you could evolve from a junior to an associate developer, and later a senior developer. Specialized roles such as tools programmer, gameplay programmer, or engine programmer may also open up. If you’re interested in designing game engines, your aim might be to become an engine architect. Alternatively, if you’d rather lead a team and oversee the development process, consider becoming a technical director or lead game developer.

Your career path could also look different depending on whether you work for an independent studio or a large company, or if you’re a freelancer.

Get started as a video game developer on Coursera

If you’re a programmer with a passion for video games, you could have a bright future in building or designing them. Start learning how to get into game development with a degree or Professional Certificate on Coursera. Build foundational programming skills with the Programming Fundamentals course from Duke University, or explore the world of JavaScript with the IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Professional Certificate.

course

Programming Fundamentals

Programming is an increasingly important skill, whether you aspire to a career in software development, or in other fields. This course is the first in the ...

4.7

(6,865 ratings)

222,232 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 18 hour(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Algorithms, C Programming Language Family, Computer Programming, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Visualization