Hire the Best
Game developers

Game development is the process of creating video games. Game developers must know how to program and understand the gameplay mechanics and creative vision needed to make games fun and engaging. In this article, we’ll cover the considerations and steps you need to take to hire a game developer. 

What is a game developer?

A video game developer is a software engineer specializing in building video games. They combine creativity and technical skills to design, build, and refine engaging gaming experiences. Developers work as programmers alongside project managers, artists, sound designers, and testers, often collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. They can be part of large studios or work independently as freelancers, contributing to console, PC, mobile, and web game projects. Their expertise ranges from graphics programming to app development and gameplay design, ensuring polished and immersive experiences for players.

Types of game developers

The gaming industry is diverse and game development projects can vary greatly in scale and complexity. That’s why it’s important to know what type of game developer is best suited for your game project. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of game developers that are out there: 

Platform

Console games target devices like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while PC games focus on personal computers. Mobile games cater to iOS and Android devices with touch interfaces and microtransactions. Web games use HTML5 and WebGL for browser-based gaming, and Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) games require specialized headsets. Cross-platform games deliver consistent experiences across multiple platforms using engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.

Genre

Action games emphasize physical challenges, while adventure games focus on storytelling and exploration. Role-playing games (RPGs) involve character progression, and simulation games replicate real-world activities like flight control. Strategy games require planning and resource management, sports games simulate sports like soccer and racing, puzzle games focus on problem-solving, and educational games blend learning with entertainment.

Scale

AAA games are high-budget, high-profile projects by large studios, while indie games are created by small teams with lower budgets and creative freedom. AA games sit between indie and AAA in scale. Modding involves community modifications of existing games, and early access games are released pre-completion for funding and feedback.

Game Development Process

So you want to hire a dedicated game developer, but which part of the software development lifecycle do you need help with? Below is an overview of the steps involved in launching a new game. 

• Prototyping: Development of early game concepts or demos.
• Pre-production: Planning phase involves concept art, storyboarding, and game design documentation.
• Production: Core development phase involving coding, modeling, and level design.
• Post-production: Polishing, bug fixing, and optimization.
• Game Testing: Working with testers and quality assurance (QA) to find and fix bugs and ensure a high-quality user experience.
• Game Publishing: Distribution and marketing of the game.
• Live Service Development: Continuous updates and support post-launch (DLCs, expansions).

Technical Approach

Engine development involves building or customizing game engines, while game design focuses on game mechanics, rules, and story. Level design creates environments, and AI programming handles non-player character behavior. Networking and multiplayer development enable online gaming, while sound design and music composition add audio elements. Tools development and scripting optimize the production pipeline.

These types frequently overlap, and many games involve several categories simultaneously.

Essential Skills of a Game Developer

Technical Skills

Game development requires a robust set of technical skills to translate creative ideas into playable and immersive games. Key technical skills include:

• Game Engines: Proficiency in game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot is essential for building and iterating on game prototypes and final releases. Each engine offers unique features, and developers should be familiar with scripting languages (e.g., C# for Unity, Blueprint, or C++ for Unreal Engine) and workflow pipelines.
• Programming Languages: Strong command of languages such as C++, C#, Python, or Java is crucial. These languages help developers implement game logic, optimize performance, and create gameplay mechanics. Familiarity with specialized scripting languages like Lua or GDScript is also valuable.
• Graphics Software: Knowledge of 3D modeling and animation tools like Blender, Maya, or 3DS Max is important for importing assets into game engines. Developers also use Adobe Photoshop or GIMP for 2D art and textures.
• Mathematics & Physics: A solid understanding of algebra, calculus, and physics helps developers create realistic gameplay mechanics. This knowledge is especially vital for implementing physics-based simulations, animations, and collision detection.
• Version Control Systems: Experience with Git, Perforce, or other version control systems ensures that developers can collaborate efficiently on large projects while tracking changes.

Writing a game development job description

Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.

Job post title

Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords your ideal candidate will likely type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample game developer job post titles:

• Game developer needed with Unity and VR experience
• Building a mobile puzzle game for iOS and Android
• Seeking a game developer to develop an action-adventure RPG for PC

Project description

An effective game developer job post should include the following: 

• Scope of work: List all the deliverables you'll need, from mobile card games to PC strategy games. 
• Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project. 
• Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, software, or game genres, mention this here. 
• Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.

Game developer responsibilities

Here are some examples of game developer job responsibilities:

• Develop game systems, models, and environments with the desired game engine
• Translate game designs into video game elements and features
• Write clear, maintainable, and testable code
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and developers to create compelling video game content.

Game developer requirements and qualifications

Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in-game developers. Here are some examples:

• X Years of Experience in iOS game development 
• Programming languages such as C++, C#, and Java
• Platform-specific software development expertise (e.g., C# with Unity for PC game development) 
• 2D/3D modeling, rendering, and animation

Shortlisting and interviewing game developers

When shortlisting game developers, prioritize candidates with relevant experience in your project's scope, game engine, and programming languages. Review portfolios for completed projects that align with your needs. During interviews, ask about their experience with specific game genres, engines (Unity, Unreal), and tools. Test their problem-solving skills with technical questions or coding challenges. Assess their creativity, teamwork, and communication through situational questions. Finally, ensure the developer's working style aligns with your project's timeline and collaborative environment.

Onboarding and retaining talented game developers

Onboarding game developers effectively involves providing a comprehensive orientation to project goals, company culture, and development tools. Share detailed documentation, like the Game Design Document, and set clear expectations with milestones and feedback loops. Encourage collaboration by fostering open communication between teams. To retain top talent, offer competitive compensation, opportunities for skill development, and creative freedom. Recognize achievements and maintain a positive work environment that values work-life balance. Regularly assess job satisfaction to address concerns and keep developers motivated and engaged.