Hamburg is not only a hotspot for the development of computer games, but also for numerous vocational schools and universities that offer courses specifically for future professionals in the games industry. For students and career starters, the exchange with experts in the games industry is essential in order to know the requirements in the individual disciplines and to prepare for them. The Game Starter is the perfect opportunity for such an exchange.

For the last instalment of Game Starter on February 13, we talked about the field of Software Development in the games industry. Everyone might have a vague idea that software development involves doing something with a game's code, engines, and tackling technical challenges... but what exactly do these tech wizards do? And how can you become one? Our three industry experts talked about their careers, their everyday work life as well as what career starters who are interested in becoming software developers should know about the industry.

Our guest experts for Software Development were:

• Leon Arndt, Software Developer at InnoGames
• Anas Pomelova, Software Developer at MobiusCode
• Teppich Spicker, Associate Technical Director at Studio Fizbin

Here is what we learned from our Software Developers: 

When you think of the profession of software development, many people imagine a reclusive code wizard who is only interested in his code lines.  

Our guests quickly prove this cliché wrong! A software developer is an essential part of any game development team. They must know the needs of both the team and the game they are working on to create the perfect software solution for the individual requirements. Their work provides the essential technical framework in which game developers, UI designers, artists and other contributors work together to combine their individual components into a complex game.  

But what are the most important skills you need as a software developer? Our guests agree on the first one: communication - in both directions. On the one hand, a software developer must be able to gather and interpret the needs of the team. And on the other hand, even the best code is worth nothing if nobody can understand it.   

Our software developers also dispel another cliché: Of course, basic mathematical knowledge and coding experience helps. But a good sense of logic and logical connections is even more important.  

And finally: not all software development is the same - there are many specializations, some of them very different from each other. While some software developers are more comfortable working with databases, others prefer to collaborate with the team's artists, for example to develop a shader for the desired look of the game. The important thing is to find out which part of the job you enjoy the most. 

In the end, the same applies to software development as to many other professions: Basic knowledge is important, but the individual specializations are what make the difference in the end. Our speakers recommend a so-called “T” specialization: a broad foundation on which to build individual specializations. 

Conclusion: 

We have learned that software development is much more versatile and creative than its clichéd image. If you tend to think logically and can communicate these connections well, you have good preconditions for software development. Speaking of creativity: Portfolios and work samples are also a common method in software development to show your skills to a potential employer. So, one last important tip from our software developers: Document your projects right from the start, regardless of whether you coded something at a game jam, at university, at school or just for fun. 

You missed the panel? No problem! Just watch the VOD on Youtube!