Individual Contributor (IC) career path for Game Developer

Intern Game Developer

Has less than 1 year of experience. Learning basic of programming.

Skills needed for Intern Game Developer

• Learns Shading
• Learns Area & Environmental Lighting
• Learns Image-based Effects
• Learns Transforms
• Learns Global Illumination
• Learns Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Learns Rendering Pipeline
• Learns Pipeline Optimization
• Learns Intersection Test Methods
• Learns Collision Detection
• Learns Visual Appereance
• Learns Texturing
• Learns Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Learns Acceleration Algorithms
• Learns Graphics
• Learns System Programming
• Learns Computer Architecture
• Learns AI
• Learns Operating Systems
• Learns Database Management
• Learns Python
• Learns C/C++
• Learns HTML5
• Learns Lua
• Learns Pathfinding
• Learns Movement
• Learns Board Games
• Learns Event Management
• Learns Tactical & Strategic AI
• Learns Decision Making
• Learns Content
• Learns Execution Management
• Learns Discrete Mathematics
• Learns Probability & Statistics
• Learns Calculus
• Learns Numerical Analysis
• Learns Linear Algebra
• Learns Engineering Mathematics
• Learns Godot
• Learns GameMaker
• Learns Construct
• Learns GameSalad
• Learns Unity
• Learns CryEngine
• Learns Cocos2d-x
• Learns Unreal

Junior Game Developer

Has approximately 1-2 years experience and basic programming foundations. Contribute ideas during team meetings

Skills needed for Junior Game Developer

• Knows Shading
• Knows Area & Environmental Lighting
• Knows Image-based Effects
• Knows Transforms
• Knows Global Illumination
• Knows Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Knows Rendering Pipeline
• Knows Pipeline Optimization
• Knows Intersection Test Methods
• Knows Collision Detection
• Knows Visual Appereance
• Knows Texturing
• Knows Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Knows Acceleration Algorithms
• Learns Pathfinding
• Learns Movement
• Learns Board Games
• Learns Event Management
• Learns Tactical & Strategic AI
• Learns Decision Making
• Learns Content
• Learns Execution Management
• Learns Graphics
• Learns System Programming
• Learns Computer Architecture
• Learns AI
• Learns Operating Systems
• Learns Database Management
• Knows Discrete Mathematics
• Knows Probability & Statistics
• Knows Calculus
• Knows Numerical Analysis
• Knows Linear Algebra
• Knows Engineering Mathematics
• Learns Godot
• Learns GameMaker
• Learns Construct
• Learns GameSalad
• Learns Unity
• Learns CryEngine
• Learns Cocos2d-x
• Learns Unreal
• Knows Python
• Knows C/C++
• Knows HTML5
• Knows Lua
• Learns DirectX
• Learns WebGL
• Learns Metal
• Learns OpenGL
• Learns Vulkan
• Learns Optics
• Learns Fluid Mechanics
• Learns Classical Mechanics

Middle Game Developer

Has more than 2 years of experience in software engineering. They need less supervision and minimal reworks.

Skills needed for Middle Game Developer

• Learns Graphics
• Learns System Programming
• Learns Computer Architecture
• Learns AI
• Learns Operating Systems
• Learns Database Management
• Knows Shading
• Knows Area & Environmental Lighting
• Knows Image-based Effects
• Knows Transforms
• Knows Global Illumination
• Knows Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Knows Rendering Pipeline
• Knows Pipeline Optimization
• Knows Intersection Test Methods
• Knows Collision Detection
• Knows Visual Appereance
• Knows Texturing
• Knows Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Knows Acceleration Algorithms
• Knows Pathfinding
• Knows Movement
• Knows Board Games
• Knows Event Management
• Knows Tactical & Strategic AI
• Knows Decision Making
• Knows Content
• Knows Execution Management
• Knows Python
• Knows C/C++
• Knows HTML5
• Knows Lua
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics
• Learns Optics
• Learns Fluid Mechanics
• Learns Classical Mechanics
• Knows DirectX
• Knows WebGL
• Knows Metal
• Knows OpenGL
• Knows Vulkan
• Knows Godot
• Knows GameMaker
• Knows Construct
• Knows GameSalad
• Knows Unity
• Knows CryEngine
• Knows Cocos2d-x
• Knows Unreal

Senior Game Developer

Create expert design concepts, take complex projects and mentor junior engineers. They have 5-8 years of programming experience

Skills needed for Senior Game Developer

• Does Pathfinding
• Does Movement
• Does Board Games
• Does Event Management
• Does Tactical & Strategic AI
• Does Decision Making
• Does Content
• Does Execution Management
• Knows Graphics
• Knows System Programming
• Knows Computer Architecture
• Knows AI
• Knows Operating Systems
• Knows Database Management
• Knows Shading
• Knows Area & Environmental Lighting
• Knows Image-based Effects
• Knows Transforms
• Knows Global Illumination
• Knows Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Knows Rendering Pipeline
• Knows Pipeline Optimization
• Knows Intersection Test Methods
• Knows Collision Detection
• Knows Visual Appereance
• Knows Texturing
• Knows Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Knows Acceleration Algorithms
• Knows Godot
• Knows GameMaker
• Knows Construct
• Knows GameSalad
• Knows Unity
• Knows CryEngine
• Knows Cocos2d-x
• Knows Unreal
• Does Python
• Does C/C++
• Does HTML5
• Does Lua
• Knows DirectX
• Knows WebGL
• Knows Metal
• Knows OpenGL
• Knows Vulkan
• Does Optics
• Does Fluid Mechanics
• Does Classical Mechanics
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics

Staff Engineer Game Developer

To attain this level, it requires more than 10 years of experience. Expert knowledge of the codebase is required.

Skills needed for Staff Engineer Game Developer

• Helps Pathfinding
• Helps Movement
• Helps Board Games
• Helps Event Management
• Helps Tactical & Strategic AI
• Helps Decision Making
• Helps Content
• Helps Execution Management
• Does Python
• Does C/C++
• Does HTML5
• Does Lua
• Does Graphics
• Does System Programming
• Does Computer Architecture
• Does AI
• Does Operating Systems
• Does Database Management
• Does Shading
• Does Area & Environmental Lighting
• Does Image-based Effects
• Does Transforms
• Does Global Illumination
• Does Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Does Rendering Pipeline
• Does Pipeline Optimization
• Does Intersection Test Methods
• Does Collision Detection
• Does Visual Appereance
• Does Texturing
• Does Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Does Acceleration Algorithms
• Does Godot
• Does GameMaker
• Does Construct
• Does GameSalad
• Does Unity
• Does CryEngine
• Does Cocos2d-x
• Does Unreal
• Knows DirectX
• Knows WebGL
• Knows Metal
• Knows OpenGL
• Knows Vulkan
• Does Optics
• Does Fluid Mechanics
• Does Classical Mechanics
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics

Senior Staff Engineer Game Developer

Has approximately 12+ years of experience. Senior Staff Engineers work closely with company leaders, contribute to tech strategy

Skills needed for Senior Staff Engineer Game Developer

• Helps Pathfinding
• Helps Movement
• Helps Board Games
• Helps Event Management
• Helps Tactical & Strategic AI
• Helps Decision Making
• Helps Content
• Helps Execution Management
• Does Godot
• Does GameMaker
• Does Construct
• Does GameSalad
• Does Unity
• Does CryEngine
• Does Cocos2d-x
• Does Unreal
• Helps Shading
• Helps Area & Environmental Lighting
• Helps Image-based Effects
• Helps Transforms
• Helps Global Illumination
• Helps Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Helps Rendering Pipeline
• Helps Pipeline Optimization
• Helps Intersection Test Methods
• Helps Collision Detection
• Helps Visual Appereance
• Helps Texturing
• Helps Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Helps Acceleration Algorithms
• Does Graphics
• Does System Programming
• Does Computer Architecture
• Does AI
• Does Operating Systems
• Does Database Management
• Helps Python
• Helps C/C++
• Helps HTML5
• Helps Lua
• Helps DirectX
• Helps WebGL
• Helps Metal
• Helps OpenGL
• Helps Vulkan
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics
• Does Optics
• Does Fluid Mechanics
• Does Classical Mechanics

Principal Architect Game Developer

The highest level for a technical career. With more than 14 Y of experience, they have a deep understanding of how the tech works

Skills needed for Principal Architect Game Developer

• Helps Python
• Helps C/C++
• Helps HTML5
• Helps Lua
• Helps Pathfinding
• Helps Movement
• Helps Board Games
• Helps Event Management
• Helps Tactical & Strategic AI
• Helps Decision Making
• Helps Content
• Helps Execution Management
• Does Godot
• Does GameMaker
• Does Construct
• Does GameSalad
• Does Unity
• Does CryEngine
• Does Cocos2d-x
• Does Unreal
• Does Graphics
• Does System Programming
• Does Computer Architecture
• Does AI
• Does Operating Systems
• Does Database Management
• Helps Shading
• Helps Area & Environmental Lighting
• Helps Image-based Effects
• Helps Transforms
• Helps Global Illumination
• Helps Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Helps Rendering Pipeline
• Helps Pipeline Optimization
• Helps Intersection Test Methods
• Helps Collision Detection
• Helps Visual Appereance
• Helps Texturing
• Helps Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Helps Acceleration Algorithms
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics
• Helps DirectX
• Helps WebGL
• Helps Metal
• Helps OpenGL
• Helps Vulkan
• Does Optics
• Does Fluid Mechanics
• Does Classical Mechanics

Manager career path for Game Developer

Tech Lead Game Developer

Has more than 7 years of experience. Rather than writing code, they take on the managerial responsibilities and provide sound tech

Skills needed for Tech Lead Game Developer

• Helps Pathfinding
• Helps Movement
• Helps Board Games
• Helps Event Management
• Helps Tactical & Strategic AI
• Helps Decision Making
• Helps Content
• Helps Execution Management
• Does Shading
• Does Area & Environmental Lighting
• Does Image-based Effects
• Does Transforms
• Does Global Illumination
• Does Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Does Rendering Pipeline
• Does Pipeline Optimization
• Does Intersection Test Methods
• Does Collision Detection
• Does Visual Appereance
• Does Texturing
• Does Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Does Acceleration Algorithms
• Helps Graphics
• Helps System Programming
• Helps Computer Architecture
• Helps AI
• Helps Operating Systems
• Helps Database Management
• Does Optics
• Does Fluid Mechanics
• Does Classical Mechanics
• Helps Godot
• Helps GameMaker
• Helps Construct
• Helps GameSalad
• Helps Unity
• Helps CryEngine
• Helps Cocos2d-x
• Helps Unreal
• Does Discrete Mathematics
• Does Probability & Statistics
• Does Calculus
• Does Numerical Analysis
• Does Linear Algebra
• Does Engineering Mathematics
• Helps DirectX
• Helps WebGL
• Helps Metal
• Helps OpenGL
• Helps Vulkan
• Helps Python
• Helps C/C++
• Helps HTML5
• Helps Lua

Engineering Manager Game Developer

Engineering lead manages a larger team. Tech leads report to the engineering lead on their team’s progress, setbacks, and other

Skills needed for Engineering Manager Game Developer

• Mentors Godot
• Mentors GameMaker
• Mentors Construct
• Mentors GameSalad
• Mentors Unity
• Mentors CryEngine
• Mentors Cocos2d-x
• Mentors Unreal
• Helps Shading
• Helps Area & Environmental Lighting
• Helps Image-based Effects
• Helps Transforms
• Helps Global Illumination
• Helps Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Helps Rendering Pipeline
• Helps Pipeline Optimization
• Helps Intersection Test Methods
• Helps Collision Detection
• Helps Visual Appereance
• Helps Texturing
• Helps Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Helps Acceleration Algorithms
• Helps Graphics
• Helps System Programming
• Helps Computer Architecture
• Helps AI
• Helps Operating Systems
• Helps Database Management
• Helps Pathfinding
• Helps Movement
• Helps Board Games
• Helps Event Management
• Helps Tactical & Strategic AI
• Helps Decision Making
• Helps Content
• Helps Execution Management
• Helps Discrete Mathematics
• Helps Probability & Statistics
• Helps Calculus
• Helps Numerical Analysis
• Helps Linear Algebra
• Helps Engineering Mathematics
• Helps Python
• Helps C/C++
• Helps HTML5
• Helps Lua
• Helps DirectX
• Helps WebGL
• Helps Metal
• Helps OpenGL
• Helps Vulkan
• Helps Optics
• Helps Fluid Mechanics
• Helps Classical Mechanics

Engineering Director Game Developer

Has 10+ years of experience and 5+ years of leading a team. Engineering director contributes to the technology R&D

Skills needed for Engineering Director Game Developer

• Mentors Godot
• Mentors GameMaker
• Mentors Construct
• Mentors GameSalad
• Mentors Unity
• Mentors CryEngine
• Mentors Cocos2d-x
• Mentors Unreal
• Helps Graphics
• Helps System Programming
• Helps Computer Architecture
• Helps AI
• Helps Operating Systems
• Helps Database Management
• Mentors Pathfinding
• Mentors Movement
• Mentors Board Games
• Mentors Event Management
• Mentors Tactical & Strategic AI
• Mentors Decision Making
• Mentors Content
• Mentors Execution Management
• Helps Python
• Helps C/C++
• Helps HTML5
• Helps Lua
• Helps Shading
• Helps Area & Environmental Lighting
• Helps Image-based Effects
• Helps Transforms
• Helps Global Illumination
• Helps Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Helps Rendering Pipeline
• Helps Pipeline Optimization
• Helps Intersection Test Methods
• Helps Collision Detection
• Helps Visual Appereance
• Helps Texturing
• Helps Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Helps Acceleration Algorithms
• Helps Discrete Mathematics
• Helps Probability & Statistics
• Helps Calculus
• Helps Numerical Analysis
• Helps Linear Algebra
• Helps Engineering Mathematics
• Helps DirectX
• Helps WebGL
• Helps Metal
• Helps OpenGL
• Helps Vulkan
• Mentors Optics
• Mentors Fluid Mechanics
• Mentors Classical Mechanics

VP of Engineering Game Developer

12+ years of experience in leading engineering teams. Works with the executive team. Spots and remove bottlenecks to achieve goals

Skills needed for VP of Engineering Game Developer

• Mentors Godot
• Mentors GameMaker
• Mentors Construct
• Mentors GameSalad
• Mentors Unity
• Mentors CryEngine
• Mentors Cocos2d-x
• Mentors Unreal
• Mentors Graphics
• Mentors System Programming
• Mentors Computer Architecture
• Mentors AI
• Mentors Operating Systems
• Mentors Database Management
• Mentors Python
• Mentors C/C++
• Mentors HTML5
• Mentors Lua
• Mentors Pathfinding
• Mentors Movement
• Mentors Board Games
• Mentors Event Management
• Mentors Tactical & Strategic AI
• Mentors Decision Making
• Mentors Content
• Mentors Execution Management
• Helps Shading
• Helps Area & Environmental Lighting
• Helps Image-based Effects
• Helps Transforms
• Helps Global Illumination
• Helps Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Helps Rendering Pipeline
• Helps Pipeline Optimization
• Helps Intersection Test Methods
• Helps Collision Detection
• Helps Visual Appereance
• Helps Texturing
• Helps Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Helps Acceleration Algorithms
• Helps Discrete Mathematics
• Helps Probability & Statistics
• Helps Calculus
• Helps Numerical Analysis
• Helps Linear Algebra
• Helps Engineering Mathematics
• Mentors Optics
• Mentors Fluid Mechanics
• Mentors Classical Mechanics
• Mentors DirectX
• Mentors WebGL
• Mentors Metal
• Mentors OpenGL
• Mentors Vulkan

CTO Game Developer

12+ years of experience in leading engineering teams. Works with the executive team. Spots and remove bottlenecks to achieve goals

Skills needed for CTO Game Developer

• Mentors Godot
• Mentors GameMaker
• Mentors Construct
• Mentors GameSalad
• Mentors Unity
• Mentors CryEngine
• Mentors Cocos2d-x
• Mentors Unreal
• Mentors Shading
• Mentors Area & Environmental Lighting
• Mentors Image-based Effects
• Mentors Transforms
• Mentors Global Illumination
• Mentors Curves & Curved Surfaces
• Mentors Rendering Pipeline
• Mentors Pipeline Optimization
• Mentors Intersection Test Methods
• Mentors Collision Detection
• Mentors Visual Appereance
• Mentors Texturing
• Mentors Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Mentors Acceleration Algorithms
• Mentors Pathfinding
• Mentors Movement
• Mentors Board Games
• Mentors Event Management
• Mentors Tactical & Strategic AI
• Mentors Decision Making
• Mentors Content
• Mentors Execution Management
• Mentors Graphics
• Mentors System Programming
• Mentors Computer Architecture
• Mentors AI
• Mentors Operating Systems
• Mentors Database Management
• Mentors Discrete Mathematics
• Mentors Probability & Statistics
• Mentors Calculus
• Mentors Numerical Analysis
• Mentors Linear Algebra
• Mentors Engineering Mathematics
• Mentors Python
• Mentors C/C++
• Mentors HTML5
• Mentors Lua
• Mentors DirectX
• Mentors WebGL
• Mentors Metal
• Mentors OpenGL
• Mentors Vulkan
• Mentors Optics
• Mentors Fluid Mechanics
• Mentors Classical Mechanics