Software Development & Engineering Jobs in the Video Game Industry: An Overview

Introduction

While game development positions often receive the most attention, non-game development software and engineering roles play an equally important role in supporting the gaming ecosystem. These professionals work on tools, platforms, and infrastructure that enable the creation and distribution of games, as well as support player engagement and retention. This article delves into the various non-game development software and engineering jobs available in the video game industry, the qualifications required, and the skills needed to excel in these indispensable roles.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering: Enhancing User Experiences and Streamlining Operations

AI engineers in the video game industry work on projects beyond game development, such as recommendation algorithms, personalization engines, and natural language processing for chatbots. They must have a strong understanding of AI algorithms, machine learning, and programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python. A degree in computer science, AI, or a related field is typically required, along with experience in AI programming.

Check out the many AI job opportunities that are on Hitmarker here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become an AI engineer in gaming here.

Data Analysis: Informing Business Decisions and Player Engagement

Data analysts in the video game industry work with data generated by players and other sources to inform business decisions, optimize marketing campaigns, and enhance player engagement. They need a strong background in statistics, data visualization, and programming languages such as R or Python. A degree in data science, statistics, or a related field is usually required, along with relevant experience in data analysis and an understanding of the gaming industry.

Check out all of the data analysis vacancies that are on Hitmarker here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a data analyst in gaming here.

DevOps: Supporting the Gaming Infrastructure

DevOps engineers in the video game industry work to improve collaboration between development and operations teams, automate infrastructure, and ensure the reliability and scalability of gaming platforms and services. They need expertise in continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, version control systems, and various programming languages. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required, along with practical experience in DevOps methodologies.

Discover all of the current hiring DevOps opportunities in gaming by clicking here. And dig deeper into what it takes to work in DevOps in gaming here.

Audio Engineering: Enhancing Audio for Gaming Platforms and Services

Audio engineers in non-game development roles contribute to the overall user experience by working on audio-related aspects of gaming platforms, services, and marketing materials. They must have a strong understanding of digital audio workstations (DAWs), sound synthesis, and audio editing tools. A degree in audio engineering, music technology, or a related field can be beneficial, but a strong portfolio and experience in the industry are often more important for securing a job.

You can see all of the current audio engineering opportunities we have on Hitmarker here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become an audio engineer in gaming here.

Network Engineering: Building and Maintaining Robust Gaming Networks

Network engineers in the video game industry focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports online gaming experiences, including matchmaking services, leaderboards, and game streaming platforms. They must have expertise in network protocols, server architecture, and security best practices. A degree in computer engineering, network engineering, or a related field is typically required, along with practical experience in the industry.

Here are all of the network engineering jobs that are currently hiring on Hitmarker. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a network engineer in gaming here.

Frontend Development: Crafting User Interfaces for Gaming Platforms

Frontend developers in the video game industry create user interfaces and user experiences for gaming platforms, services, and websites. They must have expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks such as React or Angular. A degree in computer science, web development, or a related field can be beneficial, but a strong portfolio demonstrating frontend development skills is often more important for securing a position.

Check out the full list of frontend development vacancies we have on Hitmarker here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a frontend developer in gaming here.

Backend Development: Powering Gaming Platforms and Services

Backend developers in the video game industry work on server-side components that power gaming platforms, services, and tools. They must have expertise in server-side programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or Java, as well as experience working with databases and API development. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required, along with practical experience in backend development.

You can see the full list of backend development job listings on Hitmarker here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a backend developer in gaming here.

Full-Stack Development: Bridging Frontend and Backend Development

Full-stack developers in the video game industry have expertise in both frontend and backend development, working on all aspects of gaming platforms, services, and tools. They must have a strong understanding of various programming languages, databases, and web development technologies. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required, along with practical experience in both frontend and backend development.

All of the full-stack development vacancies in the industry can be accessed here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a full-stack developer in gaming here.

Mobile Development: Expanding Gaming Experiences to Mobile Devices

Mobile developers in the video game industry create and maintain mobile apps and services that support gaming experiences on smartphones and tablets. They must have expertise in mobile development platforms such as Android and iOS, as well as programming languages like Java, Swift, or Kotlin. A degree in computer science, mobile development, or a related field can be beneficial, but a strong portfolio and experience in the industry are often more important for securing a job.

Access a full list of mobile development jobs from the gaming industry here on Hitmarker. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a mobile developer in gaming here.

Cloud Engineering: Scaling and Securing Gaming Infrastructure

Cloud engineers in the video game industry work on designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based infrastructure that supports gaming platforms and services. They must have expertise in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as experience in infrastructure-as-code (IAC) and containerization technologies. A degree in computer science, cloud computing, or a related field is typically required, along with practical experience in cloud engineering.

We’ve got a lot of cloud engineering opportunities for you here. And dig deeper into what it takes to become a cloud engineer in gaming here.

In Summary

The video game industry offers a wide range of non-game development software and engineering roles that are critical to the success and growth of the gaming ecosystem. While formal education in fields such as computer science, software engineering, or data science can be beneficial, practical experience and industry-specific knowledge are often more important for securing a position.

To excel in these roles, professionals must possess strong technical skills, adaptability, and the ability to stay current with the latest industry trends and technologies. Networking, attending industry events, and staying informed about the latest developments can help individuals build connections and remain competitive in this dynamic sector.

As the video game market continues to expand, the demand for skilled professionals in non-game development software and engineering roles will remain strong. By honing their skills and staying up-to-date with industry advancements, these individuals can find rewarding careers that contribute to the overall success and growth of the video game industry.

If you want to look more broadly, you can see hundreds of software development and engineering jobs by clicking here.