The terms game developer and game programmer are used interchangeably. Game developer is an umbrella term that encompasses several roles, from designers and artists to writers, producers, and QA testers. Game programmer refers to a specialized role responsible for writing the code that allows the game’s mechanics, physics, engines, and systems to function. Learn more about the differences and similarities between game developers and game programmers below.
What is the difference between a game developer and a game programmer?
The difference between a game developer and a game programmer is that developer is a broad term for anyone working in game development, while programmer refers to a highly particular position. A game programmer creates software, assembles platforms and engines, and writes the code that supports a game’s unique requirements.
Game programmers focus specifically on coding and the technical implementation of game development—creating the engines, tools, and systems that allow the game to work. Game programmers write the software code underpinning the game and implement the gameplay mechanics, AI, physics, and graphics rendering. Programmers are skilled in languages like C++, C#, or Python and have an in-depth understanding of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
What are the similarities between a game developer and a game programmer?
The similarity between a game developer and a game programmer is that both work to create engaging experiences for players. Game developer refers to anyone working in game development. Game development roles that focus on optimizing and implementing assets in-game or work on gameplay programming, network design, or tool creation bear similarity to the work of a game programmer because they work at the code level.
Game programmers fall under the broader category of game developers. A game developer working on AI systems, gameplay programming, graphics, engine programming, tool creation, or network design is engaged in programming work and is, therefore, a game programmer. Game development roles like technical artists bridge the gap between the more creative/art-focused departments and programming departments by optimizing assets and helping to implement them in-game. VFX artists, rigging artists, and shader developers are game development roles that share similarities with the role of a game programmer because they focus on technical implementation.
Game designers fall under the game developer category. Technical game design involves creating tools and systems to allow developers to implement content into the game. Technical game design is similar to game programming in that both focus on gameplay systems, prototyping gameplay mechanics, scripting and tool development and balancing design ideas with the reality of making games.
Can you be a game developer without the skills of a game programmer?
Yes, you can be a game developer without the skills of a game programmer. Artists, sound designers, composers, producers, QA teams, writers, and designers are game developers who don’t require programming skills. Though not essential in these roles, understanding programming is an advantage for almost anyone in game development, allowing you to communicate more clearly with your team.
Artists and animators focus on creating the visual component of a game, working with character models, environments, textures, and animations. Artists and animators require 2D or 3D art skills, knowledge of animation software, and creativity, but programming is not a hard requirement for these roles. Sound designers and composers must understand music and sound software, possess musical/sonic capabilities, and have creative vision, but programming abilities aren’t required. Writers and narrative designers work with a game’s characters, story, and setting, so programming skills are unnecessary. UI/UX designers, producers, and QA testers are more examples of game development roles that don’t need programming abilities.
What’s the difference between a technical game designer and a game programmer?
The difference between a technical game designer and a game programmer is their focus and skill set. Technical game designers work on game mechanics, systems, and tools using scripting languages. A technical game designer works closely with designers, artists, and animators to bring gameplay ideas to life, prototype new features, and balance existing ones. Technical game design bridges the gap between design and programming/engineering teams, ensuring the technical feasibility of design ideas and their smooth implementation.
Game programmers specialize in writing code using languages like C++ and C#, writing and optimizing code at a lower level than technical designers. A game programmer develops engine features, physics systems, AI, and networking. Game programmers can be subdivided into the roles of AI programmer, graphics programmer, and engine programmer. All of these roles focus on raw coding and software architecture more than the scripting of a technical designer.
