Physics Programmer for Video Games
Job Description:
A physics programmer for video games is a professional that applies mathematics and physics to the realm of video game design in order to create the mechanisms of a game’s world. They use computer science knowledge to develop the logic behind anything from object movements to environment interactions. Physics plays an important role in video games because it helps to establish consistency in a game and make actions seem more realistic to the player. Without programmers that specialize in creating physics logic, video games would not be as popular as they currently are, would feel unfinished, and therefore unsatisfying to play.
Salary Range: $35,000 - $93,500 | Average: $64,389/yr 31/hr
Occupational Outlook:
The demand for video game programmers is steadily increasing as there is expected to be 32,090 new jobs in this career filled by 2029.
Links to Learn More About This Career:
Educational Requirements:
The most common degrees that Physics Programmers have one or more of are:
Bachelor’s degree in Physics
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
University of Kentucky
Address: 160 Graham Ave, Lexington, KY 40506
Website: https://www.uky.edu/
Information on the Major: https://www.uky.edu/academics/bachelors/pigman-college-engineering/computer-science
Centre College
Address: 600 West Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40422
Website: https://www.centre.edu/
Information on the Major: https://www.centre.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/computer-science
University of Denver
Address: 2197 S. University Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80208
Website: https://www.du.edu/
Information on the Major: https://ritchieschool.du.edu/academics-education/ug-programs/bs-minor-computer-science
Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Time management
Teamwork and collaboration
Creativity and innovation
Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:
C++
C#
Java
HTML
Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career
Pros (Positives to this Career)
Significant contribution to gameplay
High demand from the gaming industry
Variety of projects and games
Cons (Negatives to this Career)
Technical challenges
Pressure from deadlines
Performance optimization of physics simulations
Typical Working Conditions For This Career:
Team collaboration
Inside
Remote work
Lots of screen time
Career Researched By: Em Connors