Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Working Life

A game engine is a suite of software which can be used to develop many different types of games. The most popular ones are Unity and Unreal, though there are hundreds out there and many game studios have developed their own.

A game engine programmer spends their time working to improve a game engine, or to tweak parts of a game engine to better fit the needs of a particular project.

The nature of this work can be more intense and theoretical than general programming. It may involve several months or years of work focusing on a single feature, which can give the company a competitive advantage with their new games.

Most game engines allow players to explore worlds in 2D and 3D, but a custom engine can let players experience a 4D environment.

Work tasks...

• Developing new features to enable the team’s programmers and designers to accomplish exciting new things.
• Optimising the performance of specific features, such as lighting, physics, or performance on a particular platform.
• Reading academic papers to understand the latest techniques and theoretical models being used in the industry.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Write, analyse, review, and rewrite programmes, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programmes to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
• Write, update, and maintain computer programmes or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
• Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
• Conduct trial runs of programmes and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
• Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programmes.
• Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Engine programming is a demanding technical field. It tends to appeal most to those who already have a passion for how games work, and would happily write their own game engine for a personal project instead of using a pre-packaged solution.

Understanding this, an engine programmer should be ready to share a portfolio of competent programming work in languages like C++, and employers will expect to see personal projects which represent a strong interest in engine programming.

Studying a degree like Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or similar should provide a great basis for this field.

Further info...

• IntoGames — Engine Programmer
• Hitmarker — Game Developer

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €101k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience. 

Data Source(s):
Blake & Filip/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Propserity/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Programmers and software development professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment grew strongly for software developers/programmers between 2019 and 2022; following a fall in employment in 2023, it grew strongly in 2024 (by 7,400 persons), above 2022 levels.

Three quarters of employment was in the ICT sector with the remainder spread across sectors including financial, professional activities and industry. Less than a fifth of those employed were women, and 41% were non-Irish citizens which is over double the national average. Almost 2,400 new employment permits were issued in 2024 for various software developer/engineer roles.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in filling vacancies for software developer/ engineer roles with Skills for Growth data pointing to issues relating to cyber security, cloud security, AI, and DevOps and those with sales and innovation skills. Future demand for this occupation, especially entry-level roles, may be eased somewhat due to advances in technology, particularly if the adoption of artificial intelligence and increased automation extends to small and medium-sized firms and across sectors.

The share of online job adverts for these roles has declined in recent years and Indeed’s Job Posting Index for the UK and US shows a sharp fall in postings related to software development. Nonetheless, practical constraints on the widespread implementation of such technologies (e.g. finance, personnel and skills availability), as well as the demand to keep pace with emerging technologies, mean that shortages for this occupation, especially for senior roles, will persist.  

Skills shortage:

Software developers/ engineers

• Imirt Irish Game Makers

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• Ardan

  • Cluain Mhuire Wellpark Road, Galway City, Ireland, H91 WP9K
  • 091 770 748
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• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
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