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Similar Titles
- Associate Programmer
- Junior Software Engineer
- Associate Software Engineer
Tools
Most Used:
- C/C++ and/or C#
- GDScript
- Unreal Engine
- Unity
Good to Know:
- CryEngine and other proprietary engines
- Godot
- Visual Studio / Visual Studio Debugger
- Git
- Jira or Trello
- Slack or Microsoft Teams
Role Summary
The primary task of a Junior Programmer is to assist the development team by handling a variety of coding assignments. This could involve rectifying issues in existing scripts, enhancing the functionality of the game engine, or developing new feature codes. Your programming abilities will be applied as required by the studio.The Junior Programmer duties involve coding as needed and since the scope of responsibilities can vary across different game studios, this role requires adaptability and proficiency in multitasking. As well as familiarity with popular game creation engines and coding languages like C++ (for Unreal), C# (for Unity).
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Knowledge
The specific understanding around software tools and techniques, terminology and the responsibilities of the role.Â
- Has a grasp of basic programming elements, irrespective of the specific programming language.
- Basic awareness of engine concepts, including terms like blueprints and GDScript depending on the project.
- Awareness of primary features of a game engine.
- Understanding of Agile development practices like Scrum or Kanban, commonly used in the industry.
- Displays a willingness to learn about the functionalities of various software tools.
- Shows a basic understanding of computer science principles essential for game development.
- An understanding of mathematical concepts used in game development, such as linear algebra and physics.
- Has a foundation in any object-oriented programming language, preferably C/C++/C#.
- Has an introductory knowledge of practical applications of 3D maths.
- Shows awareness of the varied components of a game engine.
- Basic understanding of software modelling techniques like UML diagrams.
- Shows understanding of tools such as IDEs and debuggers at a fundamental level.
- Basic knowledge of optimising code for performance and efficiency.
- Basic understanding of source control technologies like Git.
Skills
The specific proficiency around technical skills, the types of creative and problem solving abilities, and areas of communication and adaptability.
- Capable of understanding technical terms and articulating them effectively for inter-departmental collaboration.
- Has the capacity to use debugging tools and referencing API documentation.
- Capable of following the correct coding conventions set by the project.
- Ability to do basic code reviews of team member’s code.
- Ability to handle and adapt to feedback and setbacks in a fast-paced environment.
- Capable of articulating basic technical information and collaborating with other departments.
- Ability to explain work approach to issues and bugs.
- Capable of crafting simple and readable code and open to receiving feedback.
- Capable of understanding tasks at a basic level and seeking clarifications when needed.
Behaviour
In relation to the capabilities around working within the team, and the expectations when it comes to professionalism or commitments to the role and company culture.
- Exhibits a desire for continuous learning.
- Shows a readiness to collaborate and values insights from various departments.
- Maintains a balanced approach between trying independently and asking for help when needed.
- Exhibits a self-learner mentality.
- Shows a consistent and systematic approach to tasks at hand.
- Shows a constructive approach to problem-solving.
- Displays a genuine interest in game development and self-improvement.
- Exhibits a basic understanding of team dynamics and the importance of mutual support.
- Possess a Proactive communication mindset by actively seeking feedback and clarifications to ensure alignment with project goals.
- Displays a Strong focus on team objectives and collaborative problem-solving.
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What to expect in the day to day duties:
- Responsible with Ensuring game features and functions are effectively coded using languages like C/C++, C#, GDScript.
- Tasked with Identifying and rectifying bugs in existing game scripts and features to maintain game integrity.
- Assigned with working on game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity to improve or extend their capabilities.
- Accountable for staying current with recent industry trends, technologies, and techniques.
- Assigned with participating in peer code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards and enhancing code quality.
- Duties involve documenting code and technical processes for future reference and team collaboration.
- Accountable for Utilising Git for effective version control, including strategies like branching and merging.
- Responsible for integrating feedback from senior team members to refine and improve work quality.
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Interview One
Did you undergo any specific training or education (formal or informal) that you think was beneficial in obtaining your current role?
Formal Electronics degree, informal personal training in game programming.
Describe your journey into your current role in the gaming industry.
Electronics degree, Teaching English in Japan, Embedded software job, Building a game programming portfolio on my savings, and now my current job.
What experiences or qualifications were most critical in securing your current role?
The coding parts of my degree were very relevant, it also taught be problem solving skills. Other than that, game jams and personal games were a major part of gathering the correct skills.
What were some of the challenges you faced when trying to get into the industry, and how did you overcome them? Do you have any advice for individuals trying to get into your role?
The biggest challenge I faced was proving that my coding skills would translate to the gaming industry. My advice would just be that if you want to get into the industry, commit to it as soon as possible.
Interview Two
Did you undergo any specific training or education (formal or informal) that you think was beneficial in obtaining your current role?
BSc in Computer Games Programming.
Describe your journey into your current role in the gaming industry.
Did a degree in Computer Games Programming, got a junior job at a small indie studio (6 people) before moving to a larger studio once I had 1.5 years experience.
What experiences or qualifications were most critical in securing your current role?
BSc Computer Games Programming at university.
What were some of the challenges you faced when trying to get into the industry, and how did you overcome them? Do you have any advice for individuals trying to get into your role?
Lack of summer placements / intern roles available made it impossible for me to get experience prior to graduating. I tried to do a placement year but only found 6 roles to apply to at that time.
Unsurprisingly I heard nothing back from any of them. Once I graduated there was a lack of gradate & junior roles, with only one of the about 20 roles I applied to inviting me to interview and eventually offering me a job.
Portfolio examples:
- Luis Machado: https://www.luis-gamedev.com/
- Jackson Taylor: https://ncjackgames.netlify.app/
- Amy Elliot: https://gamedev.amy-portfolio.com/#/
- Francisco Javier Hernández: https://codeoverdose.es/
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