Task 2 Job Roles

Job Roles the Game Industry

Creative Development

• Game Designer
• Overall Game Designers devise what a game will consist of and how it will work/play, defining all core elements. They will then communicate all this information to the rest of development team who can create the art assets and computer code.
• In more depth they plan then define all the elements that a game will need such as: its setting, structure, rules, story, characters and devices available to the characters also they will design the interface and modes which will be playable.
• Game Designers are usually employed by development studios, who are either fully independent or even publisher-owned. The game design process is shared and communicated between a number of people, which is then overseen by a Lead Designer.

• Level Editor
• Overall Level Editors create the interactive architecture for segments of the game which will include the landscape, buildings and objects.
• They also develop the game play for the level, including the challenges and objectives that the characters face and what actions they must take to overcome them. The architecture helps to define those challenges by presenting obstacles, places to hide, tests of skill, and other elements to explore and interact with.
• The setting and atmosphere devised by the Level Editor can also give the player clues about different ways of progressing through the level and the game as a whole.

• Lead Artist
• Overall Lead Artists devise the games visuals and directing the production of all materials throughout the games development. They also manage animation and at teams, they are also responsible for the overall look of the game.
• They supervise the team’s output from a creative and technical point of view, and also ensure that the work gets done according to budget and schedule, alongside the game’s producer, anticipating problems and planning for any contingencies. They are also usually responsible for overseeing any outsourced art production.

• Technical Artist
• Overall Technical Artist is ensuring art assets can be easily integrated into a game without sacrificing the artistic vision or exceeding the platform’s technical limits and investigating new techniques the implementing them and training the team. 

• Artist
• Artists are used to create the visuals of the games, such as characters, scenery, objects, textures etc. Artists will also create concept art and storyboards which help communicate the proposed visual elements during pre-production.
• There are a variety of specialisms within the art department including 3D object modelling, character design, textures, and environments.

• Animator
• Animators are responsible for the creation and portrayal of movement and character behaviour within the game. They make use of the games engine, within its limitations.
• The design of characters movement and behaviour must be portrayed in an efficient and effective way which makes best use of the games engine, it is often to restrict specific areas of animation such as how many characters can be on screen at once.

• Audio Engineer
• Audio Engineers create the soundtrack for the game which includes, music, sound effects (gunshots or explosions), character voices as well as spoken instructions and ambient effects(crowd noises, vehicles and even rain).
• They may also record and audition some actors in case the game needs to be dubbed in another language, they are also responsible for sourcing any sound effects that are needed, improving or creating them where necessary. These might be real or imaginary sounds, depending on the type of game.

Technical Development

• Programmer
• Basically Programmers design and write the computer code that runs and control the game, incorporating and adapting any ready-made code libraries and writing custom code as required. They test the code and fix bugs, and also develop customized tools for use by other members of the development team. 

• Lead Programmer
• The lead team of programmers are responsible for creating all the computer codes which is used to run and control a game. They will also produce the technical specification of the game and manage the overall development of the code.
• The Lead Programmers must 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. 

Project Implementation

• Project Manager/Producer
• The Project Managers will ensure the successful delivery of the games and making sure its on time and within budget. Also they must oversee all aspects of the games development and delivery.
•  They also oversee all aspects of the game’s development and delivery, and often localisation requirements (different versions for different territories). They prioritize
•  when production deadlines are a concern, manage risks, and plan for contingencies.

• Assistant Producer
• The Assistant Producer works with a game's production staff to ensure delivery of quality of the highest calibre.
• Typically, these assistants will focus on different areas, this could include; handling communications or coordinating work.

• External Producer
• External Producers ensure that the game is delivered, while they work externally from the development team. They also have to make sure the publisher has all the information required to make the game. In addition, the External Producer will act as the developer's go-between with the publisher with regard to interim payments or major changes to the game's design or appearance.
• The External Producer works closely with the game's internal producer, who is part of the on-site development team. While the internal producer focuses on the staff management tasks of getting a game finished on time and on budget, the External Producer is concerned with broader issues.

• Creative Director
• Creative Directors are responsible for the overall look and feel of the games, ensuring the quality and style of the game, artwork, audio assets and music. They must also oversee any high level decisions that may affect the game overall such as sounds and the way it looks.
• Not all companies will hire Creative Directors but those who do and who are very skilled may oversee multiple projects at once.

Quality Assurance

• QA Tester
• QA Testers are used to test, tune and debugging a game and they may suggests improvements to make the game easier to play and make it higher quality. Overall QA Testers must ensure the game is fit to be playable and all flaws are fixed before it is released to the public.
•  Most importantly QA Testers must know which issues are the most important and prioritize them. QA Testers must work to deadlines and understand marketing and production schedules.

Business Development

• Public Relations Officer
• Public Relation Managers are responsible for managing the companies Image and overall reputation. This role is more suitable for those who have excellent communication skills and being able to manage time and multiple tasks.
• could also get involved with community to make sure that the company is represented in a good light. This may include sponsoring corporate events or getting involved in fundraising for local charities.

• Product Manager 
• The product manager assists with the creation and implementation of the game's marketing campaigns, to ensure maximum sales of the game. They work with the marketing team and support the senior managers who organize the campaigns. They may also work with the brand manager, who is responsible for developing long-term plans for games. Product managers usually work for the publishers, or independent marketing companies who work with the publishers.

• Marketing Executive
• The marketing executive researches the market, helps create the marketing campaigns, placing adverts in newspapers, magazines, TV and radio, and make sure campaign deadlines are met.

• Marketing Manager
• The marketing manager directs all marketing activity and plans the best ways to promote the game. They research market trends, find out how to reach certain markets, and come up with marketing strategies.