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JOB ROLE 1-ANIMATOR (GAMES)Animators in the games industry are responsible for the portrayal of movement and

behaviour. Most often this is applied to give life to game characters and creatures, but sometimes animations are also applied to other elements such as objects, scenery, vegetation and environmental effects. Specialist software packages are used to create the animations, which are used for both automated or in game behaviours and predefined sequences or cut scenes.

Animators must portray movement and behaviour in an efficient and effective way which makes best use of the game engine’s technology, within the platform’s limitations. It is often necessary to restrict the number of key frames used or the number of characters that can appear on the screen at a time. Animators work closely with Programmers and Artists to create the best balance between smooth seamless movement and optimised performance on the target platform.

Game production is collaborative and Animators work as part of the art department team. Using the objects, models, and most importantly, characters created by 3D Artists, Animators define their movements and behaviours and apply them using the animation tools and techniques provided by the selected 3D animation software package. Game animation can be a complex combination of many different types of movements, so the Animators must make extensive libraries of reusable animations for each character.

They are also usually responsible for the technical processes of rigging and skinning of the characters, which involves creating an underlying structure rather like the bones of a skeleton and attaching appropriate body parts to each bone. This makes the animation process itself a lot more efficient. It is full time.

JOB ROLE 2: QA TESTERQuality Assurance Technicians, or Testers, perform a vital role. They test, tune, debug

and suggest the detailed refinements that ensure the quality and playability of the finished game. They play-test the game in a systematic way, analysing the game’s performance against the designer’s intentions, identifying problems and suggesting improvements. They test for bugs in the software, from complete crashes to minor glitches in the programme.

They also act as the game’s first audience, reporting on its playability and identifying any aspects which could be improved. Playing games all day for a living might sound like an ideal job, but this is in fact a highly disciplined role. They are responsible for assuring quality in the final product and for finding all the flaws in a game before it goes public. They look for programme bugs - spelling mistakes, localisation problems (variations of the game are required for different territories), graphical or audio glitches, and also any copyright issues.

QA Testers must know which issues are the most important and be able to prioritise them for fixing. They work to deadlines and must understand production and marketing schedules. They normally use a software quality management system to document findings. They work in teams, sometimes playing together on a multi-player game or a team might ‘own’ part of a game. Testing involves playing a game over and over again, testing different levels and builds (incomplete ‘development versions’ of a game, sometimes with various features missing).

The work can be repetitive and tedious, but Testers have to test long after the novelty and fun factor may have worn off. They must be diplomatic when communicating with other team members and accept that they can have only limited influence over the game design. They also need to be able to anticipate different ways the game will be played, and test accordingly. This is part time.

JOB ROLE 3: GAME PROGRAMMER

Game Programmers work at the heart of the game development process. They design and write the computer code that runs and controls the game, incorporating and adapting any ready-made code libraries and writing custom code as required. They test the code and fix bugs, and also develop customised tools for use by other members of the development team.

Different platforms (games consoles, PCs, handhelds, mobiles, etc.) have particular programming requirements and there are also various specialisms within programming, such as physics programming, AI (artificial intelligence), 3D engine development, interface and control systems. Games development is an increasingly complex process and large teams of Programmers might be involved in creating a game, some in leadership roles, some working on just one aspect.

Programmers are employed by development studios – publisher-owned and independent. They also work for middleware producers, an increasingly important sector providing cross-platform graphics rendering, game physics, sound management, AI, and other specialist tools. Programmers might also work for localisation companies which translate and re-version games for different territories.

There are many different programming roles. Job titles include: Games programmer; Tools programmer; AI programmer; Middleware programmer. The Programmers create different 'builds' of a game, liaising with the QA Testers to fix any bugs identified at each stage. They might also work with a Localisation Manager to create versions of the game for different platforms and territories. This is full time.

JOB ROLE 4:LEVEL EDITORThe Level Editor defines and creates interactive architecture for a segment of a game, including the

landscape, buildings and objects. They must be true to the overall design specification, using the characters and story elements defined by the Game Designer, but they often have considerable freedom to vary the specific look and feel of the level for which they are responsible. They define the environment, general layout of the spaces within the level, and lighting, textures, and forms.

The define the characters and objects involved, whether they are player-controlled or non-player characters, and any specific behaviours associated with the characters and objects. They also develop the gameplay for the level, which includes the challenges that the characters face and the actions they must take to overcome them. The architecture helps to define those challenges by presenting obstacles, places to hide, tests of skill, and other elements to explore and interact with.

The setting and atmosphere devised by the Level Editor can also give the player clues about different ways of progressing though the level and the game as a whole. The Level Editor first sketches ideas on paper or using 2D drawing software. They have to imagine the playing experience, putting themselves in the position of the player, mapping out all the possibilities.

The ideas are then worked out in 3D and tested in the game engine, which produces further ideas. In consultation with the Programmers and Artists, the Level Editor draws up a detailed inventory of level ‘assets’ (all the objects and programming requirements needed to make the level run in the game in its final form).

Every asset can impact on the game’s performance and the Level Editor must understand the technical constraints to which the team is working, e.g. there may be a limit on the number and complexity of objects that can be displayed on screen at any one time. This is full time

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONGame animators often have a bachelor's degree, but employers also hire artists

without a formal educational background who are creative and proficient in the required software. However an artist with a high school diploma, experience and technical skills can also obtain a position in video game animation.

QA testing is generally considered an entry-level position in the game industry. Most companies do not require a college degree to be hired as a game tester. But if you do get a degree, then you have a much better chance of moving into higher-paying jobs in QA, or moving into other areas of game development like art, design or programming.

Game programmers: Typically, employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in information systems or a similar field. A strong background in math and science, as well as an understanding of gaming, can help make a game programmer successful.

There is no specific qualification to become a level editor. However, a degree in the designing, software development or engineering is preferred. The level editor must be aware and familiar with 3D modelling packages and fluency in programming is vital.

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAININGGames animator- Most of your training would be on the job, learning from more

experienced animators. You will also need to keep up to date with developments in the animation industry throughout your career. Your employer may organise some training courses for you, or you may be responsible for your own training and development. You can take short courses in various animation software packages and techniques at several film schools, universities and private training companies.

QA tester- You will mainly develop your skills on the job, although your employer may train you to use their bug reporting software and design test plans. You could increase your skills by gaining Professional Certification in Software Testing (formerly known as ISEB) through The Chartered Institute for IT.

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING

You may be able to get experience of working in the animation industry through a Creative Skillset Film Craft and Technical Trainee Placement Scheme. The scheme is designed to help people who have some industry experience or training to find trainee placements on UK feature films. With experience and advanced skills, you can progress from junior roles to animator, lead animator and animation director.