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Assistant Producer - Computer Games

The Assistant (or Junior) Producer works with a game's production staff to ensure the timely delivery of the highest quality project possible. Typically, they will focus on specific areas of the development process.

This could involve handling the communications between the publisher and developer, or coordinating work on some of the project's key processes such as managing the outsourcing of art assets.

Assistant Producers are employed by publishers as well as development studios. Working within a development studio often involves managing communications between different teams such as design, art and programming.

In a publisher environment, Assistant Producers will focus on liaising between sales and marketing departments and the developer, and supporting the work of the publisher's external producer.

Game development is a highly complex process sometimes lasting three years or more, involving teams of up to 100 people and budgets over £5 million. Helping to managing this is a big job. Hence the work can involve long hours and might be stressful, particularly as a game's launch approaches.

What is the job?
The Assistant Producer assists the production team with the day-to-day running of projects, as well as internal and external communication throughout the game development process, ensuring the highest quality product is delivered to the agreed schedule.

The Assistant Producer's role and specific responsibilities change during the development process too, as different elements of the game are created. Important aspects of the job can include task and milestone planning and tracking, as well as handling review and approval processes. Assistant Producers are usually responsible for filing and archiving game assets such as concept artwork, marketing and press deliverables.

Another aspect of the role that is becoming more crucial is handling any outsourcing required. The Assistant Producer will often act as the main point of contact for outsourcing companies, and hence needs to be in charge of tracking the quality of deliverables and providing feedback.

As the game enters the final stage of development, other tasks might include organising press visits, releasing game demos and setting up photo shoots. The Assistant Producer will also be given tasks on an ongoing basis by the producer, who will be managing multiple projects.

Typical career routes
While the role of an Assistant Producer is not an entry-level role, it is the most junior production role and candidates may find they can access this role relatively early in their careers.

Most Assistant Producers will have been educated to degree level, and/or be experienced in game development, often candidates come from a developer or publisher quality assurance department having worked as a game tester. This experience offers a good grounding in the development process, access to software and tools, and an insight into the different job roles.

Alternatively Assistant Producers coming from outside the games industry will have a number of years production experience in creative media industries such as TV, film, web development or publishing.

Essential knowledge and skills
As the role of Assistant Producer is varied, a wide range of attributes are required, ranging from the ability to work well in a team, to a solid knowledge of project management and it always requires strong interpersonal and communications skills, particularly in terms of verbal and written language.

Perhaps more important however is the ability to learn new skills quickly and possess high levels of self-motivation and confidence as Assistant Producers can quickly find themselves responsible for dealing with complex situations.

Key Skills include:

  • a passion for games;
  • ability to plan ahead, set objectives, and prioritise;

    • high levels of motivation;
  • good communication and man-management skills;
  • a keen eye for detail and high standards of work;
  • knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications
There are no specific qualifications required for this role but relevant production experience is key. However as a junior position, most training is carried out on the job. There are some short courses available,particularly in areas where there is an active games business community, e.g. Scotland, the Midlands and the North West of England. Check the Skillset website for up-to-date information.

Desirable skills include a knowledge of project management software but what's most important is enthusiasm about games and a commitment to the development process.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

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