What skills do you need to be a mobile game developer?

1 Programming languages

One of the core skills that you need to be a mobile game developer is proficiency in one or more programming languages. Depending on the platform, genre, and engine that you choose for your game, you may need to learn languages such as Java, C#, Swift, Kotlin, or JavaScript. Some of these languages are native to specific operating systems, such as Java for Android and Swift for iOS, while others are cross-platform and can be used with frameworks or tools that allow you to build games for multiple devices. You should also be familiar with common game development concepts, such as loops, variables, functions, classes, and data structures.

2 Game engines and tools

Another essential skill that you need to be a mobile game developer is the ability to use game engines and tools that facilitate the creation and deployment of mobile games. Game engines are software that provide a set of features and functions that help you design, code, test, and optimize your game, such as graphics, physics, audio, animation, and user interface. Some of the most popular game engines for mobile development are Unity, Unreal Engine, Cocos2d-x, and GameMaker Studio. Game tools are additional software that help you with specific aspects of your game, such as art, sound, level design, debugging, and monetization. Some examples of game tools are Photoshop, Audacity, Tiled, Firebase, and AdMob.

3 Game design and art

Programming and using game engines and tools are not enough to make a great mobile game. You also need to have some skills in game design and art, which involve the creative and aesthetic aspects of your game. Game design is the process of defining the rules, mechanics, goals, and challenges of your game, as well as the overall user experience and feedback. Game art is the process of creating the visual elements of your game, such as characters, backgrounds, icons, and animations. You should have some knowledge of game design principles, such as balance, flow, immersion, and fun, as well as some skills in drawing, modeling, texturing, and animating.

4 Testing and debugging

No matter how good your programming and design skills are, your mobile game will inevitably have some bugs and errors that need to be fixed before you release it to the public. Testing and debugging are the skills that allow you to identify and resolve these issues, as well as to improve the performance and quality of your game. Testing is the process of running your game on different devices, platforms, and scenarios to check its functionality, usability, compatibility, and security. Debugging is the process of finding and fixing the causes of the problems that you encounter during testing. You should be able to use various testing and debugging tools, such as emulators, simulators, loggers, breakpoints, and error handlers.

5 Marketing and publishing

The final set of skills that you need to be a mobile game developer is related to marketing and publishing your game. Marketing is the process of promoting and selling your game to your target audience, using strategies such as social media, advertising, reviews, and word-of-mouth. Publishing is the process of distributing your game to the app stores and platforms where your users can download and play it, such as Google Play, Apple App Store, or Amazon Appstore. You should be able to create a marketing plan, a budget, and a timeline for your game, as well as to follow the guidelines and requirements of each app store and platform.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?