Pop Your Skill Bubble

In the world of software development, I’ve done an awful lot of things. I’ve worked on embedded C++ systems running on 486 linux boxes. I’ve created internal questionnaire systems for collecting data. I’ve made touch screen kiosks for childcare centers, and I’ve even made a game or two.

While each of the projects has been different, one thing has remained the same - I am a programmer. After years of coding, the process has become cemented in my brain as “work”. Doing something else? That’s not work, that’s being distracted! Spending some brainstorming level ideas? Phhht, programming is where the real magic happens. 

If this sounds familiar, be it programmer, artist, or game designer, it’s time to lay down some truth bombs - Your role isn’t as important as you think it is.

I’ve been working as a game developer for about five years now, and I’m only starting to finally beat the programmer out of myself. While I’ll always love coding, I’ve come to accept that this is just one piece of the puzzle. In game development, the marriage of art and engineering, the roles are broad and all equally important.

Over the years, here are a few of the roles I’ve had to fill:

If you’re looking to pop your skill bubble, and enter the fantastically useful world of a “Game Dev Generalist”, here are a few strategies I’ve employed to broaden my skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the contribution of those around me.

Making games requires many different skills, so take some time to learn about them! Without them, I’d just be making fancy tech demos.