Game Developer
72AI USED FOR72%moving to95%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Game Developer
Game developers create the video games that millions of people play. They write code, design how the game works, and test it to make sure it is fun and works properly.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Game DeveloperAs a Junior Game Developer, you will assist in coding and testing games, gaining hands-on experience in the development process while working under the guidance of senior developers.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Game DeveloperIn a Mid-level role, you will take on more complex projects, leading small teams and contributing to the overall game design and development strategy.£40,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Game Developer/Lead DeveloperAt the peak of your career, you will oversee large projects, mentor junior developers, and play a key role in strategic decision-making for game development.£60,000+
5 live apprenticeship vacancies →
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Computer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£39,000 median
🎓Computer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Software Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Computer Science courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L7Game programmer24 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · DegreeComputer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · DegreeComputing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · DegreeComputer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · DegreeComputer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeSoftware Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · Degree