<p>Games developers are involved in the creation and production of games for personal computers, games consoles, social/online games, arcade games, tablets, mobile phones and other hand held devices. Their work involves either design (including art and animation) or programming.</p>
<p>Games development is a fast-moving, multi-billion pound industry. The making of a game from concept to finished product can take up to three years and involve teams of up to 200 professionals.</p>
<p>There are many stages, including creating and designing a game's look and how it plays, animating characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localisation, testing and producing.</p>
<p>The games developer job title covers a broad area of work and there are many specialisms within the industry. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>quality assurance tester;</li>
<li>programmer, with various specialisms such as network, engine, toolchain and artificial intelligence;</li>
<li>audio engineer;</li>
<li>artist, including concept artist, animator and 3D modeller;</li>
<li>producer;</li>
<li>editor;</li>
<li>designer;</li>
<li>special effects technician.</li>
</ul>