Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

It takes a variety of talented people working many long hours to produce a successful video game. Besides programmers, the production team may include artists, musicians, actors, analysts, game designers, accountants and project managers. A successful game programmer must be willing to work closely with a variety of nontechnical people, write code according to detailed specifications and endure long hours to produce the next spectacular video game.

Programming Skills

Game programming ranges from working with high performance console games written in machine language to casual Internet games using standard web programming languages. There are many types of programmers, including engine programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, graphics programmers, sound programmers, tool programmers, network programmers, physics programmers, and user interface programmers.

A game programmer must be fluent in a variety of languages and be able to switch when needed. Start with traditional languages like C and C++ and some understanding of machine languages and embedded programming. Game designers rely heavily on physics engines, game libraries and special purpose languages so programmers must have the skills to learn new tools quickly, getting up to speed reading manuals and following code examples.

Internet and mobile-based games are the early 21st century rage, so become familiar with web programming, Android and Apple's IOS development.

Communication Skills

Game programmers work closely with a variety of team members ranging from artists and performers to mathematicians and business people. While most of the day is spent writing computer code, you will also need to work and communicate with other team members. Learn to speak and understand their jargon so you can translate their needs into code. An artist, for instance, will describe changes to video rendering in terms of light and shading, but not necessarily in terms of pixels or color values. The better you understand their needs, the more realistic the game you help to create and the player's experience will be.

Gaming Experience

Computer gamers share a culture built from long hours playing in the same virtual worlds. While it may be possible to assimilate some of this from other gamers, a certain amount of background and knowledge of this culture will be needed to communicate with other team members. Specifications and problem reports will assume an understanding of gaming concepts and gamers judge new games against past experience. When two programmers with similar abilities interview for a new position, the one with the most gaming experience has the competitive advantage.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
• Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
• Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
• Devise missions, challenges, or pussles to be encountered in game play.
• Guide design discussions between development teams.
• Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
• Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
• Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
• Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
• Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.

Further Information

• Games Programmer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A game programmer's education should start with a bachelor's degree in computer science with an emphasis in C++ programming language, computer architecture and software design, along with a minor in mathematics or science.

Advanced degrees in computer game programming are found at many universities, but practical experience working at a game company is far more desirable. In addition to computer and math skills, take advantage of courses in communications, business, project management and marketing. While not directly necessary for game programming, these skills will become useful as your career advances.

There are many pathways to develop your skills, experience, and learning to progress towards a career in Software development 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Software development, ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals NFQ level 5 search FET courses

FET centre Post leaving cert Computer Games Programming, Computer Programming, Programming and Software Development, Games Design & Development, Software development for apps/ games / network Architecture NFQ level 5-6 search PLC courses

Apprenticeship Route

Software Development Associate Professional is an apprenticeship style “learning by doing” format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award. More.

Higher education entry routes CAO Software Developers typically have a degree in Software Development or Computer Programming. Other relevant disciplines include Computer Science, ICT, Computing and Software Engineering NFQ level 6-8 search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Springboard courses Conversion Software development courses are also available via at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses

Postgraduate Study Options Software Design & Development, Software Design with Artificial Intelligence, Software Design with Virtual & Augmented Reality NFQ level 9 

Skillnets Software Network 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €93k

Salries vary based on employer, location, role, duties, and experience. Salary can be sessional based on project work.

Data Source(s):
Blake & Filip/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Prosperity.ie/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment has grown strongly for this occupation each year over the five-year period, particularly between 2020 and 2021, where it grew by over 9,000 persons. Those employed are primarily male (83%), working full-time (98%), and 85% were aged 25-54 years (exceeding the national average of 69%). Four-fifths were employed in the ICT sector, with the remainder spread across many sectors. Recent job hires in 2022 exceeded any employment growth indicating that job churn is a factor for this occupation. Almost two-fifths (39%) were non-Irish citizens (compared to a national average of 19%). At over 4,300, the number of employment permits issued in 2022 was almost equivalent to the increase in employment over the same time period. Although the number of new employment permits issued in the first five months of 2023 have slowed, they remained above 2021 levels. Most employment permits were issued for the ICT sector, for software engineering/development roles, although permits were also issued across many sectors of the economy.

There was a high volume of difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey (various developer roles) and vacancies for software engineers were the most frequently cited occupation in the Skills for Growth data as being difficult to fill, with demand occurring across a range of sectors including manufacturing (e.g. med tech), fintech, ICT, and professional services; the most commonly sought technical skills included scrum/agile and SQL, while transversal skills such as data analysis, data management, communication and problem solving were also in demand. After other engineering professionals, this occupation had the highest number of job postings advertised online in 2022, although the number declined by 6% compared to 2021. 

While shortages are likely to have eased somewhat compared to earlier years, demand for software developers remains high and shortages are likely to persist economy-wide, including in the industry, finance, education, health, and wholesale/retail sectors. 

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

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