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.

The Work

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 programs, 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 programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
• Write, update, and maintain computer programs 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 programs 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 programs.
• 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

Last Updated: January, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Although employment growth was above average for this occupation, employment levels declined in 2023, returning to 2021 levels (but remaining far above pre-COVID-19 levels). At 47%, this occupation has the second highest share of non-Irish citizens employed (alongside chefs, with the highest share for butchers). Only one fifth were female and over three quarters were employed in the ICT sector.

Over 1,800 new permits were issued in 2023, a decline of 2,500 on 2022 and accounting for over half of the decline in permits issued for this occupational group. Despite a large fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) compared to the previous year, this occupation still accounted for the fourth largest share in 2023. There was a relatively high volume of difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey (various developer roles) and employer data (Skills for Growth, Spotlight on Skills) highlighted issues sourcing VR developers, junior software developers, computer programmers and those with skills in cyber security, AWS and tech development stack.

There are some signs of a slowdown in demand and hirings in this occupation after the significant expansion in the ICT sector in recent years. However, demand continues, both in the ICT sector and across all sectors in the economy, with shortages likely to persist for the foreseeable future.

• Imirt Irish Game Makers

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• Ardan

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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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