Introduction

Game development is the process of creating video games, transforming a game concept into a playable reality through conceptualization, design, production, and testing.

However, supply and demand poses a challenge for companies looking to hire game developers, with the demand for qualified, experienced game engineers outweighing the domestic supply within the US. Businesses often amplify this challenge by restricting their search to local tech talent; however, in recent years, the rise of remote, global work has begun to solve this issue.

What is Game Development?

A game developer is a specialized software engineer who builds and maintains video games, translating creative designs into a playable reality by programming gameplay mechanics, AI, user interfaces, and ensuring smooth performance across platforms, often using game engines like Unity.

What does a Game Developer do?

A game developer takes the concept for a game and turns it into a playable reality through coding, design, and testing. They program gameplay mechanics, develop artificial intelligence for non-playable characters (NPCs), and build the game’s features using software and game engines. Game developers also collaborate with artists, sound designers and writers to create the game’s assets, and their work also includes fixing bugs and performing quality assurance (QA) to ensure a seamless user experience.

Game Development Skills and Qualifications

Game developers will often hold a degree in computer science or similar, though this is not essential. When hiring a game developer, it’s most important to look for strong experience in iOS and Android development.

There are also many certifications and qualifications that a game developer may have. Popular certifications include:

• Unity Certified Associate
• Unity Certified 3D Artist
• International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Certified Game Developer
• Autodesk Maya Certified Professional
• Autodesk 3ds Max Certified Professional
• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – Adobe Animate CC
• Unreal Engine Certified Professional
• University of Colorado Unity/Unreal Game Development certifications
• Epic Games Game Development and Prototyping
• EDUCBA Unreal Engine FPS & Action Game Development
• Michigan State University Game Design and Development with Unity

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are vital when choosing your game developer. Problem-solving is crucial, aiding with troubleshooting and continuous learning. Communication is also essential when looking for any new team member, particularly in facilitating clear and open communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Popular Languages for Game Development

There are many languages and frameworks commonly used for game development. Some of the most popular include:

• C++: The industry standard for large, high-performance games, used in engines like Unreal Engine; offers low-level memory control and speed but has a steeper learning curve.
• C#: The primary language for the Unity engine; a versatile and widely used language that is considered easier to learn than C++.
• JavaScript: Essential for browser-based games, often used with HTML5 and WebGL for web development.
• Python: A great choice for beginners, used for prototyping and developing indie and mobile games, offering versatility and a simpler syntax than C++ or C#.
• Java: Frequently used for Android game development and cross-platform projects.
• Lua: A lightweight, fast scripting language commonly embedded in larger game engines for scripting game logic.
• Swift: The primary language for developing games on Apple platforms like iOS and macOS.

What are some popular Game Development frameworks?

Frameworks are collections of reusable code, templates and tools that provide a foundational structure for building applications effectively and efficiently. Some of the most popular game development frameworks include:

• Pygame: A set of modules designed on Python for cross-platform game development.
• MonoGame: A free and open-source framework for C# developers, compatible with Microsoft’s XNA and built on .Net, developed by the MonoGame Foundation.
• Phaser: A 2D game framework for HTML5 game development developed by Photon Storm; a free, fast, and open-source framework.
• Love2D: A free, open-source, cross-platform framework for creating 2D games in Lua.
• libGDX: A popular cross-platform development framework based on OpenGL API, written in Java with some C and C++ components for performance-dependent code.
• Cocos2d-X: An open-source, modular, and flexible framework for 2D game development.

What are some popular Game Development engines?

A game engine is a software development environment that provides a foundation for creating video games by offering pre-built systems for tasks like rendering graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence. Common game engines include:

• Unity: Popular, cross-platform game engine, excellent for development in 2D & 3D and widely used by both indies and large studios.
• Unreal Engine: Best for high-end 3D visuals (AAA games), this engine uses C++ and visual scripting (Blueprints).
• Godot: A free, open-source and lightweight engine, great for 2D and increasingly capable in 3D.
• GameMaker: Excellent for 2D games, offers drag-and-drop (GML) and coding.
• CryEngine: A powerful 3D engine, known for hyper-realistic graphics.

How much does it cost to hire a Game Developer?

When hiring traditionally in the US for a local, mid-level game developer, the average annual compensation is $121,339, with a range of $80,000 to $214,000 according to Built In. However, even by just expanding to other parts of the United States, salaries can be reduced significantly.

On average, companies hiring game developers with HireDevelopers can expect to save between 50% and 80% on salaries and hiring costs, with exact salaries varying based on location and experience. The greatest savings can be found by hiring in Africa and Asia, while companies looking for aligned time zones and a closer cultural match can hire from our extensive pool of Latin American developers.

How to hire Game Developers

The first step to hiring a game developer is to decide on a hiring method. Traditional hiring methods include local job adverts, LinkedIn job posts and using your professional network to identify potential candidates.

However, these methods are often time consuming and can be expensive. The median time to hire a developer is around 41 days, with the slowest 10% taking up to 82 days and 38% of companies reporting project delays due to recruitment problems, according to the Linux Foundation’s 2024 State of Tech Talent Report.

Alternatively, many companies are now turning to services like HireDevelopers to cut costs and speed up the hiring process. With HireDevelopers, you can hire game developers from anywhere in the world, at any price point, in just 24 hours.

When putting together a job description or job interview for a game developer, prioritize technical skills, like familiarity with key frameworks and libraries.

You should also consider using coding challenges alongside a traditional interview during the hiring process – if you’re using a pre-vetted talent pool like HireDevelopers, this has already been done for you. Coding challenges allow you to assess problem-solving skills and coding expertise in a realistic, real-time environment.

If you need help putting together a game job description or conducting a Game Developer job interview, you can check out our helpful and comprehensive guides below. Alternatively, to cut your time-to-hire by 90% and unlock savings of up to 80%, get in touch and book your free HireDevelopers consultation today.

Why hire Game Developers with HireDevelopers?

Hiring the right game developer for your team is a huge undertaking, and the process can be intimidating, especially for startups and small businesses.

At HireDevelopers, our pre-vetted, global tech talent marketplace streamlines your hiring journey and cuts time-to-hire by over 90% without compromising on quality or stretching your budget. Receive a custom shortlist of top game developers at any seniority level, at any price point and located anywhere in the world within just 24 hours of your consultation.

Plus, we’ll handle all payroll, legal compliance and HR completely for free, giving you more time to start building with your new game dev.

Get in touch today and start hiring top-notch game developers in just 24 hours.