Developer

Infinity Ward

Video game developers are software developers, they create computer games. Developers would usually specialize with certain games consoles, this would include Nintendo, WiiU, Microsoft's Xbox, Sony's Playstation. or even develop their own consoles.

Developers would specialize in certain types of games such as role playing games, firth person shooters. This is less common, but some do other kinds of software development work in addition to games.  

The majority of games publishers have development studios for example, Electronic Arts's EA Canada, Square Enix's studios, Activision's  Radical Entertainment, Nintendo EAD and Sony's Polyphony Digital and Naughty Dogs. But since publishing is still their main main activity they are normally described as "publishers" rather than "developers". Some developers can also be private, such as Bungie which was the company which developed the hugely popular Halo series which was also exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox. 

In this blog post I will be writing about a development company and some of the jobs they are currently advertising, this would include the description of the job and some of the requirements that you would need in order to apply. As you can see from the picture above I have chosen to use the development company, Infinity Ward as they have developed a number of successful games such as the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series. 

Below are 3 of the jobs they were advertising on their website. 

QA Tester.

Description:

The chosen candidates will be responsible for using QA procedures as assigned by a QA manager to help ensure the highest level of quality within the project. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working within the gaming’s industry. 

Here are some of the essential tasks that would need to complete to apply:

•          Perform scripted, ad hoc and regression testing.
•          Enter and maintain bugs via the bug tracking system.
•          Provide well thought out and constructive game-play and feedback.
•          Must be able to work within a team and individually.
•          Additional tasks as assigned by the QA Manager.
•          AAA title experiences a plus.
•          At least 2 shipped titles a plus.

Job: Quality Assurance.

Primary Location: Woodland Hills.

Organisation: Infinity Ward.

Senior Multi-Player Engineer.

Description: 

Infinity Ward is looking for a senior Multi-Player Engineer. This is an ideal opportunity to have a true impact on a multi-million unit selling AAA franchise and will encompass all elements of multi-player online games including match-making systems, statistics, anti cheat, infrastructure design, live operations, management and optimisations. The position will play a key role in the addition of multi-player functionality to titles for next generation gaming systems.

Required experience:

•          2 – 4 years in a senior programming position on a high profile title or titles for the current generation of consoles. Example could be Xbox or PS3.
•         Must have shipped at least 1 console title, AAA plus.
•          Strong understanding of online games which include low-level networking back-end and internet connection issues and solutions.
•          Experience dealings with band and latency issues.
•          Understanding of the implementations requirements of client server and peer to peer networking models.
•          Strong C/C++ software engineering skills, python and plus.
•          B.S in computer science, engineering, mathematics or equivalent.
•          Excellent communication skills.

Pluses:

•          Experiences working with one or more of the following: Xbox, Windows Live, Sony Playstation network, Nintendo WiFi connection or Steam.

•          Experience implementing networked game-play, AI, or physics.
•          Data mining experience.
•          Exceptional 3D maths skills.

Job: Programming.

Primary Location: Woodland Hills.

Organisation: Infinity Ward.

Senior Systems Designer.

Description:

They are seeking an experienced designer that is looking to lead the effort in creating game-play systems, games modes and scripted events for an exciting new project. Candidates must have experience with C style scripting languages and have the ability to think like a programmer, to solve problems and accomplish a vision. Furthermore you should be comfortable writing script to handle game-play systems such as basic AI behavior, cooperative mechanics, weapons and scripted sequences.

Requirements:

•               Minimum of 2 to 3 years of game industry experience.
•               Knowledge and experience with a C style programming or scripted language.
•               Strong game design skills and must be able to intelligently discuss the strength and weaknesses of recent games and be able to list techniques used to make fun FPS combat.
•               Create and refine game-play mechanics.
•               Passion for first person shooters, console and PC.
•              Ability to collaborate well with your team.
•              Priorities and meet deadlines.
•              Communicate progress with lead designer well and frequently.

Pluses:

•          Prior experience with ID Tech/Radiant.
•          Knowledge and prior experience with multiple scripting languages.
•          MP de-bugging experience.

Job: Game Level Design.

Primary Locations: Woodland Hills.

Organisation: Infinity Ward.