Professions - Shift2Games

2D Art

2D Artists play a key role in the gaming industry. Their creativity and skills enable the creation of visual elements such as characters, backgrounds and objects. They bring a game to life, create atmospheres and express the story through art. Without 2D Artists, games would be less attractive and less emotional for players.

Tools:
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Procreate
Autodesk Sketchbook
Substance Painter
ZBrush
Maya
Cinema 4D

Skills:
Drawing
Illustration
Communication
Time management
Precision

Compositing Artist

By combining various elements such as character models, textures, lighting and special effects, they meticulously craft impressive scenes that immerse players into the game universe.

2D Art

3D Art

3D Artists are indispensable in the gaming industry. Their skill in modeling, animation and rendering of 3D objects enables the creation of realistic worlds, characters and effects. Their work allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game, providing visual depth and authenticity. 3D Artists are key to building impressive graphics achievements, improving performance and creating visually stunning experiences. Without them, the industry would not be able to achieve the level of visual quality and stunning detail expected of modern games today.

Tools:
Autodesk Maya
Pixologic ZBrush
Substance Painter
Adobe Photoshop
Blender
Houdini
Unreal Engine

Skills:
3D software
Anatomy and proportions
An eye for detail
Creativity
Collaboration

Prop Artist

This role involves creating a wide variety of items, from the mundane, such as furniture and tools, to the fantastical, such as magical artifacts or alien technology.

3D Art

3D Character Artist

They use specialized software, such as Maya or ZBrush, to design and sculpt 3D models of characters, paying attention to every detail - from skin color and hair to clothing and weapons.

3D Art

3D Environment Artist

They work closely with Game Designers to confirm that the game environment is visually appealing, coherent and supports the narrative.

3D Art

Tech Art

Technical Artists are the backbone of game creation, an often hidden and mysterious role. Their expertise in programming, performance optimization and integration of art elements enables the creation of functional and visually impressive games. They help implement special effects, lighting, animations and interactivity. Technical Artists solve challenges related to the technical side of games and enable other Artists to bring their visions to the game. Their contribution ensures a quality and stable experience for players, making games technically advanced and optimized for different platforms. Without Technical Artists, the development and implementation of artistic elements in games would be much more difficult and less efficient.

Tools:
Photoshop
Unity
Unreal Engine
ZBrush
Substance Painter
Houdini
Blender
VS Code
Git

Skills:
Technical knowledge
Problem solving
Independence
Adaptability
Learning new tools

Lighting Artist

Their primary goal is to enhance the overall visual appeal of the game by manipulating light and shadows to create an immersive and captivating atmosphere.

Tech Art

VFX Artist

A VFX Artist creates and implements visual effects that make the game world feel alive and immersive.

Tech Art

UI Artist

A UI Artist is responsible for creating the graphical user interface (GUI) elements that appear on the screen while playing a video game.

Tech Art

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist is a key member of the game development team because they bridge the gap between the artistic vision of the game and its technical implementation.

Tech Art

Rigger

They are responsible for building the skeleton, i.e. rig, that allows the character to move in the game.

Tech Art

Programming

Game Programmers are key members of the gaming industry. Their expertise in software development enables the creation of functional, interactive and entertaining games. They are responsible for programming game logic, user interface control, artificial intelligence and physics. Game Programmers create the foundation of the game, allowing other teams to integrate artistic elements. They are key to creating games that are stable, reliable and satisfying for players. Their ability to combine creativity and technical expertise makes them indispensable for successful game development. Without them, it would not be possible to create innovative and high-quality games that players enjoy.

Tools:
Unity
Unreal Engine
C++
C#
Java
Python
Visual Studio
Git
Perforce

Skills:
Programming languages
Mathematics
Analyticity
Patience

Gameplay Programmer

They work at the intersection of design and technical implementation and are responsible for bringing game ideas to life.

Programming

Unreal Developer

They have expertise in using the tools and features of this engine to design, develop and optimize games.

Programming

Software Engineer

They have a detailed understanding of computer programming languages, algorithms and principles of software development.

Programming

Audio

Game Audio Designers create the necessary extra dimension of games. Their skill in creating sound adds to the atmosphere, immersion and emotional experience of the player. They create sound effects for action, environment, dialogue and music. Game Audio Designers create a game’s sonic identity, which helps define its character. Their work also includes audio mixing and implementation into the game, ensuring that the sounds are balanced and in sync with the visual events. Quality sound design can enhance player immersion, highlight key moments and provide audio feedback to help players navigate through the game. Without an Audio Designer, games would be a poorer experience.

Tools:
Pro Tools
Logic Pro X
Reaper
Wwise
FMOD Studio
Unity
Unreal Engine
Adobe Audition
Ableton Live

Skills:
Understanding the principles of music and sound
An ear for detail
Team work
Creativity

Foley Artist

Using a wide range of objects and props, a Foley Artist meticulously recreates the sounds that match the actions and movements of the characters and objects in the game.

Audio

Voice Actor

They use their voice to bring characters to life and create an immersive experience for players.

Audio

Music Composer

They are responsible for composing, arranging and producing music that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Audio

Sound Designer

They closely collaborate with the game development team to ensure that the sounds match the gameplay and overall aesthetics.

Audio

Game Testing

Game Testers are the heroes in the shadows. Their job is to find and report bugs, inconsistencies and problems in the game before it is released to the public. They conduct systematic game testing to check functionality, performance, playability and compatibility on different platforms. Game Testers need to focus on details and have the ability to identify potential issues that could affect the user experience. Their feedback is essential for Programmers, who can then fix bugs and improve the game. Game Testers play a key role in ensuring the high quality and functionality of games before they reach a wider audience. Without Game Testers, there would be a greater likelihood of games being released with flaws and technical issues, which would negatively impact the game’s reputation and success.

Tools:
JIRA
Bugzilla
TestRail
Git
Selenium
VirtualBox
Apache JMeter
Visual Studio Debugger

Skills:
Software
Analytical mindset
Persistence
Documentation
Communication

Test Automation Engineer

A Test Automation Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing automated testing processes in game development. Their primary goal is to improve QA procedures efficiency by creating automated scripts and tools to validate game functionality, performance and stability. They closely collaborate with developers to understand the game’s requirements and design automated test cases simulating various in-game scenarios. Leveraging their programming skills and testing expertise, they identify and resolve potential bugs, glitches, or performance issues early in the development cycle, contributing to overall game quality improvement.

Game Testing

QA Software Engineer

A QA Software Engineer is a vital member of the game development team and is responsible for ensuring the quality and stability of the video game before its release. Their primary role is to develop and implement comprehensive testing strategies to identify and report any deficiencies, bugs, or issues that may arise during the game development process. They closely collaborate with Programmers and Game Designers to understand the mechanics, features and goals of the game, enabling them to design effective testing plans and test cases.

Game Testing

Localization Tester

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the game is accurately translated and localized for different regions and languages.

Game Testing

QA Tester

Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly test the game, identifying and reporting any bugs, glitches, or issues that may arise during gameplay.

Game Testing

Game Design

The Game Designers are the brains of the operation. Their creativity, vision and expertise enable the creation of exceptional gaming experiences. They define basic game mechanics, set challenges and goals and develop protocols. Game Designers are responsible for creating levels, puzzles, combat systems, player progression and story. They find a balance between challenge and pleasure to create a game that is fun, balanced and engaging for players. Their work involves iterative testing, gathering feedback and tweaking game design to achieve optimal gaming experiences.

Tools:
Blender
Tiled
Hammer Editor
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Final Draft

Skills:
Writing
Communication
Creativity
Collaboration with teams

System Designer

A System Designer is the architect of the game's basic mechanics and structure. They are responsible for the conceptualization and design of the overall framework that governs how the various elements of the game interact with each other. They plan the rules, progression systems and balancing mechanisms that shape the gaming experience, thereby providing a harmonious playing environment. A System Designer works closely with other members of the development team, such as Level Designers, Programmers and Artists, to seamlessly integrate their concepts into the overall game design.

Game Design

Monetization Designer

A Monetization Designer is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to generate revenue after the initial purchase price of the game. They work closely with Programmers, Producers and Marketing teams to design and optimize in-game economy, virtual goods and monetization systems. A Monetization Designer's primary goal is to strike a balance between player satisfaction and financial success. They analyze player behavior, market trends and industry standards to find potential monetization opportunities.

Game Design

Level Designer

A Level Designer is responsible for creating and designing the levels or environments that players will navigate in a video game. They work closely with the creative team to understand the overall vision, mechanics and narrative, and then translate these concepts into tangible level layouts. A Level Designer strategically places obstacles, enemies, puzzles and interactive elements to ensure an engaging gaming experience. They also consider visual aesthetics to create visually appealing environments that complement the game's theme and art style.

Game Design

Narrative Designer

A Narrative Designer is responsible for shaping the story, the characters and the world of the video game. They work closely with other game development team members, including Game Designers and Programmers, to ensure that the story of the game will be convincing, coherent and interesting for players.

Game Design

Marketing

Marketing professionals in the gaming industry play a key role in the promotion and success of games. Their skill in campaign creation, branding and audience engagement helps achieve wider recognition and increase game sales. These are great positions for people who have done marketing before.

Tools:
App Annie
Sensor Tower
Mobile Action
Google Play Console
Apple App Store Connect
Keyword Tool
ASOdesk
Search Ads 360
Google Analytics

Skills:
Market monitoring
Detail orientation
Optimization
Dealing with data and numbers

Game User Researcher

A Game User Researcher is tasked with understanding player behavior, preferences and motivation to enhance the gaming experience. They employ various methodologies such as playtesting, surveys, interviews and analytics to gather insights into how players interact with the game. By analyzing data and observing gaming sessions, they identify pain points, areas of enjoyment and opportunities for improvement, providing feedback to developers.

Marketing

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager oversees and implements strategic social media campaigns to engage and build communities around a specific game or brand. They are responsible for creating engaging content on various platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and others. They develop content calendars, plan and execute live streams, and interact with the community to foster a positive and enthusiastic online environment. In addition to promoting the game, they track trends and player feedback and provide valuable insights to the development team for continuous improvements.

Marketing

ASO Specialist

An ASO (App Store Optimization) Specialist is responsible for optimizing game visibility in digital stores. They possess a detailed understanding of the algorithms and ranking systems used by platforms such as the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Their primary goal is to increase the organic visibility of the game, attract more users and ultimately improve the overall performance of the game.

Marketing

Community Manager

A Community Manager is the bridge between video game development studios and the player community. Their primary role is to engage with players, build relationships with them and foster a positive and inclusive community. They appear as the public face of the game, communicating with players through various platforms, such as forums, social networks and live-streams. They communicate updates, collect feedback and resolve player issues, ensuring the community's voice is heard and their needs are met.

Marketing

User Acquisition Specialist

A User Acquisition Specialist is responsible for growing the user base through effective marketing and advertising strategies. They closely collaborate with the Marketing team and the Product team to develop and implement campaigns to attract users on various channels, such as social media, digital stores, online advertising platforms and through partnerships with influencers. The ultimate goal is to attract new players and optimize the acquisition funnel to maximize the number of users who convert into engaged players.

Marketing

Game Production

Game production is the foundation of successful development. Game Producers coordinate teams, budgets, deadlines and resources to ensure an efficient development process. They oversee the project from start to finish, ensuring quality and meeting goals. Without them, teams would not be able to effectively collaborate and realize the vision of the game, which could lead to delays, budget overruns and player dissatisfaction.

Tools:
Trello
Microsoft Excel
Slack
Unreal Engine
Bugzilla
Git
Google Analytics
Perforce
SharePoint

Skills:
Organization
Team spirit
Motivating others
Budget monitoring
Respecting deadlines

Game Director

A Game Director is a visionary who is behind the creation and development of a video game and is responsible for determining the overall creative direction and tone of the game as well as overseeing their implementation. They closely collaborate with various teams, including Designers, Artists and Programmers, to ensure that the game's vision is effectively realized. They provide guidance and feedback during the game development process, helping to shape mechanics, story and visual style to achieve the desired player experience.

Game Production

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and successful execution of a project from start to finish. They act as a bridge between developers and senior management. Their primary role is to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget and meets the desired quality standards.

Game Production

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a key figure responsible for overseeing the development and success of a video game throughout its life cycle. They act as a bridge between different teams, including Game Designers, Programmers and Artists. Their primary role is to define the product vision, set goals and create a roadmap for game development.

Game Production

Producer

A Producer of video games is a key figure responsible for overseeing the development of a game from start to finish. They act as the driving force in game creation, coordinating and managing various teams and resources involved in the process. The role of the Producer involves making critical decisions, setting project goals and ensuring that the game aligns with the studio's or publisher's vision and objectives. In larger studios, a Producer may have a specialized role, such as Creative Producer or Executive Producer, and thus have a greater influence on the creative direction of the game. They may closely collaborate with Game Designers and Artists to shape the game concept, provide feedback and make key creative decisions.

Game Production

Biz Support

Business support plays an important role in the gaming industry. They deal with the administrative, financial, development and legal aspects of the business. They provide support in negotiations, contracts, project management and budgeting as well as employment and education. Business support also takes care of logistics, distribution and communication with partners and suppliers. Their expertise helps maintain business efficiency, comply with legislation and achieve company goals. Without business support, gaming companies would be exposed to greater risk and business would be less efficient and stable.

Tools:
Workday Recruiting
Bullhorn CRM
Indeed
LinkedIn
Zoom
Gmail
Asana
Tableau
Slack

Skills:
Assessing people and opportunities
Planning
Looking to the future
Risk mitigation

General Manager

A General Manager is an executive responsible for overseeing and managing the overall operations of an entire firm or team within a larger company. This role requires a combination of leadership, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the video game market. A General Manager is usually involved in decision-making processes related to game development, production timelines, budgeting and resource allocation. They work closely with diverse teams, including Game Designers, Programmers, Artists and marketing professionals, to ensure that company projects are aligned with market trends and meet creative and business goals.

Biz Support

Learning and Development Specialist

A Learning and Development Specialist creates and implements training programs in the gaming industry. They are responsible for designing and delivering educational materials and resources that enhance the skills and knowledge of the development team. Their primary focus is to foster continuous learning and growth among Programmers, Designers, Artists and other team members.

Biz Support

Business Developer

A Business Developer is responsible for establishing strategic partnerships and securing business opportunities to advance the company's growth. They combine their passion for gaming with their business acumen to identify potential collaborations, negotiate deals and form alliances with other companies. They are actively looking for new ways to generate revenue, such as licensing agreements, distribution partnerships, or even mergers and acquisitions.

Biz Support

DATA

The data sector in the gaming industry plays a key role in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data to optimize the gaming experience. Data Analysts use statistical models and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in gaming behavior and tailor games to user preferences. Data Analysts provide insights through the analysis of player engagement data, helping to make informed decisions for game design and marketing strategies. This enables gaming companies to personalize experiences, increase player retention and develop innovative products tailored to the market.

Tools:

SQL
Spark
Jupyter Notebook
TensorFlow
PyTorch
GitHub
Apache Kafka
Hadoop
Apache Spark
MySQL
MongoDB

Skills:
Development and management databases
Programming
Communication

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, interpreting and using data to improve various aspects of a video game. They use the data they get from in-game metrics, player behavior and user feedback to identify patterns and trends. By analyzing this data, they provide insight into engagement, player retention and monetization strategies, and help developers make informed decisions to improve the gaming experience. A Data Analyst also plays a vital role in evaluating the impact of game updates and adjustments, ensuring that the changes meet the intended goals and do not negatively impact the player base.

Data

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for extracting valuable insights to inform decision-making. They utilize advanced statistical and machine learning knowledge, focusing on predictive and prescriptive analytics to solve complex problems and predict phenomena. They gather and analyze vast amounts of in-game data, such as player interactions, in-game economy metrics and user engagement patterns, transforming them into actionable insights for developers to make better decisions, improve game design, balance gameplay and retain players.

Data

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining data architecture by creating stable, fast and scalable data pipelines and "producing" accurate data ready for further processing. Their primary role is designing and implementing a data infrastructure that records, processes and stores vast amounts of player-related data generated by video games. They closely collaborate with developers, Analysts and Data Scientists to collect necessary data in real-time to support game analytics, player behavior analysis and decision-making processes.

Data