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Careers in the Gambling Industry for Coders

Without coders and their skills, the innovations we see today in gambling would not be possible. This set of professionals build the framework and write codes that become games that run on PCs and mobile devices.

Most times, the skills of designers and many other professionals also go into the production of games. However, the part of coders is crucial because games would not exist without them.

If you are interested in a coding career in the gambling industry, this article will give you insight and open you up to some of the things you need to know. 

What Does a Coder in the Gambling Industry Do?

As a coder working with game studios or online casinos in Ireland, your job starts after game designers create new game concepts. Using this design concept, you are expected to produce a game that users would enjoy. To do this, you’ll need drawings, game rules, and most importantly, your codes. Depending on how sophisticated you want the game to be, you might also include APIs, machine learning, or Artificial intelligence components in your game.

As a coder, your work might require you to develop land-based games, jackpot slots, bingo games, online scratch cards for different punters. You are also responsible for making the games available on mobile phones and tablets. Your job might also require that you create fan sites for games and feedback before launching your products in the market.

Your Responsibilities as a Coder

Coders have similar fundamental functions anywhere in the world. However, depending on the size of the company, their specific duties might differ.

There is usually enough money for large companies to employ teams to perform various functions in the production pipeline of games. Sometimes, these big companies even give out contracts to other companies to have some of these tasks done on their behalf.

Coders in such environments would find themselves as part of more considerable concern. As such, they might only be needed for specific jobs in the system. That is small tasks like graphics component or prototype testing.

For coders working in smaller companies, there could be more components. That includes creating concept/ market research, developing prototypes, and testing before the launch of new games.

Either way, creating games online requires you focus on five key areas, which include,

  • brainstorming ideas and coming up with the game concept,
  • building a prototype, 
  • coding, 
  • testing, 
  • releasing then maintaining the game.

Depending on how complex the game is, the process might take a team of experts some years to move from concept to usable products. Finding what suits you is a matter of preference and can vary depending on what you can do.

On a general note, as a coder in this field, you can expect the following responsibilities:

  • Your job description might have you create visuals for your games, especially at the project’s initial stages.
  • You will collaborate with designers, artists, and other staff involved in game designs. In some cases, you might even come up with concepts and designs for your games. Depending on the complexity of the game you are building, you might need game scripts and storyboards to do this.
  • By extension, you will work with 3D and 2D models and animation software for the audio of your game. 
  • Of course, the main bulk of your responsibility is to deliver high-quality computer codes. That is, you will be providing software programming languages like Angular, Node JS, Vertex, and others.
  • You’ll also have to carry out reviews on your codes to ensure they are of quality. You might also refactor your codes to improve and restructure them properly, so they work well.
  • You’ll also be needed to create new prototypes for games using Marvel, Framer, Unity, In Vision, and other tools that have a comprehensive platform for designing games. Keep in mind that casino games usually work on mobile, social, and instant casinos, which must be essential in your design. Now that games are switching towards augmented reality and virtual reality, your company might also have you add that to your focus.
  • You will have to run a diagnostic test to identify bugs or potential problems during production. If you find bugs, you have to create and implement debugging protocols to eliminate these bugs. Ultimately, your job is to ensure the games are rolled out smoothly within your given deadline.  Your prototypes would go through compatibility, functionality, regression, real-time load, and playtests. This phase can be very hectic for you because you are working with strict deadlines. So, as a programmer in this field, you must be prepared to work under pressure.
  • If you have the skillset and work experience, you might also be involved in technical strategy. That means you will shoulder the responsibility of delivering projects, including resource planning, management, and team development.

As a coder in this field, prepare yourself for some flexibility in work hours. Depending on the closeness of deadlines to game launch, developers usually work 40 hours per week or more. Sometimes, you’ll have to work in the evening and even during the weekends. Whether you will work remotely or in an office would depend on where you work.

Who are your likely employers?

Your potential employers are casinos or studios that are subcontracted by brands. The brands will need you to help them develop games or handle their networks. The game studio can either stand-alone or operate under the ownership of a game provider.

The employment landscape for developers varies. Some small studios have few employees, while larger companies and large multinationals that have offices worldwide employ people in hundreds.

How much would you earn at the job? 

A large part of your salary would depend on your role, the size, and the type of your company. However, according to PayScale, the annual salary for developers fall within these ranges:

  • Junior developers earn between £19,000 and £30,000 annually. 
  • Those in the mid-level category earn between £35,000 and £50,000 annually. 
  • For those in senior roles, payments start at £75,000 annually. 

What qualifications must you have?

If your dream is to bring people joy by creating games of the highest quality, you must be a graduate in computer science, software engineering, or something related. A Bachelor’s degree or a Higher National Diploma in computer science will do just that. As an added advantage, you can specialize in either of the following:

  • games technology, 
  • computer games development, 
  • design or programming, 
  • software engineering, or 
  • mathematics and physics.

If you want to be a designer and a developer at the same time, you should include the following subjects in your degree:

  • games and graphic design,
  • animation, 
  • interactive media, or 
  • art. 

As a side note, be sure your course, be it undergraduate or postgraduate, is accredited by the Independent Games Developers’ Association.

You can also get into the field without being a graduate in computer science or related fields. Those in this category or who are not even graduates can get into entry-level positions if they can prove their programming proficiency. However, the field is very competitive, so you need lots of experience and an awe-inspiring portfolio to get in this way.