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The Lead Programmer leads the programming team responsible for creating all the computer code which runs and controls a game. Programmers have various roles and specialisms including AI (artificial intelligence), game engine development, user interface, tools development, and physics. These are all overseen by the Lead Programmer who is responsible for the technical specification of the game and manages the overall code development process. It is also their job to make sure that everything happens effectively and on time. Lead Programmers are employed by development studios, either independent or publisher-owned. This is one of the highest paid roles in the games industry, reflecting the responsibility that goes with the role and the skills and experience required. This high pressured job can involve hard work and very long hours. The Lead Programmer must also inspire the creativity and technical excellence at the heart of game development.
What is the job?
The Lead Programmer manages the software engineering of a game from start to finish. In conjunction with other key team leads (eg the Game Designer, the Lead Artist, etc.) they develop the technical specification for the game, and then delegate the different elements to their team of programmers. The Lead Programmer usually compiles all the technical documentation for the software produced by the programming team and ensures the quality, effectiveness and appropriateness of all the game code. The Lead Programmer manages the production of the different 'builds' of a game (successive versions, each an improvement on the last), ensuring that coding bugs are fixed and appropriate solutions found (or as many as possible within the production time frame) to move the project forward, liaising with the Project Manager to make sure that all this happens on schedule. The Lead Programmer must also resolve any conflicts and provide support and guidance to the programming team, making sure that the programmers understand the specification and have the right skills and training to be able to do their jobs effectively. Lead Programmers will also write a substantial amount of code themselves.
Typical career routes
 This is not an entry level role. A Lead Programmer will have considerable experience as a programmer, with hands on experience of different programming roles as well as team leading experience. It is the Lead Programmer's responsibility to ensure that appropriate solutions are found to all the programming requirements of the game. This can sometimes mean taking on any of the programming tasks themselves in order to complete a project, on time and within budget.
Essential knowledge and skills
The Lead Programmer must be both a team player and a leader. They have to be approachable and listen to what people need and want, both from other disciplines and within their own team. They must also be able to communicate their ideas and vision to the programming team, and inspire and motivate them to ensure that everything gets fixed on schedule. The role of Lead Programmer demands a combination of management and programming skills, including:
The Lead Programmer must have a passion for games, and a genuine enthusiasm for the project they are working on, particularly the technical challenges it presents.
Training and qualifications
A degree in Physics, Maths, or Computer Science is usually a prerequisite for this role, although any degree course with a substantial programming element will suffice. Many new entrants also have a postgraduate qualification as well. All Programmers start in the industry with proven ability to programme in C++ (companies will usually ask for some kind of demo and/or ask candidates to work through a test). Sound knowledge of contemporary game hardware platforms, as well as the latest software development techniques, is also highly desirable. Experience is the key to this role. Lead Programmers must have a proven track record, usually at least five years working in game development as a programmer, and have experience of working across platforms and on the whole life cycle of projects. Advanced programming skills are essential and they also have to demonstrate considerable leadership qualities.
Where to go for more information
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Lead Programmer - Computer Games
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