Who does what.
WHAT PROGRAMMING SPECIALISMS EXIST
Gameplay Engine and systems Graphics Networking Tools Artificial intelligence
WHAT DESIGN SPECIALISMS EXIST
Systems design Level design Narrative design Technical design Economy design, for games with currencies
WHAT ART SPECIALISMS EXIST
Concept Environment Character Animation Technical art Visual effects User interface
WHAT TECHNICAL ART BRIDGES
Art and programming: pipelines, shaders, rigging and optimisation.
WHY IT IS VALUABLE
It is scarce, and it removes friction between disciplines.
WHAT OTHER ROLES EXIST
Production Quality assurance Audio Writing Community and marketing Live operations
WHAT SMALL TEAMS REQUIRE
Breadth, with one area of depth.
WHAT LARGE STUDIOS REQUIRE
Depth in a specialism.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Which environment suits how you want to work.
WHAT TRANSFERS FROM OTHER SOFTWARE WORK
Most programming skill, with specific domain knowledge to acquire.
