Become a UI Developer - Job File
Missions, activities, skills, training
What is a UI Developer?
A UI Developer is a programmer who works on the “user experience”, i.e. the way in which people interact with an application or digital object.
What is the role of a UI Developer in video games?
In the field of video games, the UI Developer works on the game interface, i.e. on all the commands and information used to communicate with the player.
“UI” stands for “User Interface”. It represents the elements that act as an intermediary between a piece of software and its user.
In a video game, for example, these include menus, inventory and map management, buttons and their combinations, and “life bars”…
The role of the UI Developer is to design and implement them to improve the visibility and functionality of the game.
Who does a UI Developer work with?
UI Developers work closely with game designers, UI / UX designers, game artists and programmers , with whom they will configure and integrate the various interface components, as well as with the technical and creative departments to ensure that the game’s artistic and technological visions are respected.
The number of people they work with will vary according to the size of the studio they work for and the importance of the project they are working on.
What are the qualities of a UI Developer?
- UI Developers have a keen interest in programming (code), interface design, design and the relationship between IT and users.
- Organised and rigorous, they have a keen eye for observation and detail, and constantly analyse digital applications in their environment.
- They are inventive, which enables them to come up with new interfaces, take a step back and enjoy working in a team.
- If they work in the field of video games, they will need to have a sound knowledge of video games.
Skills required for a UI Developer
In addition to mastering programming languages and the English language, the UI Developer must enjoy working in a team.
UI / UX Design
“UI” (User Interface) and “UX” (User Experience) are two complementary sides of the same coin.
UI” refers to the visual aspect as well as the intuitive and aesthetic components of the interface, while “UX” represents its substance, content and ergonomics.
In a small company, the UI Developer carries out tasks specific to these two professions, but in a large company, he or she works with UX developers and UX designers in a department dedicated to ‘user experience’.
Programming languages
The UI Developer is a professional who masters Web programming tools (Javascript, HTML, CSS, etc.) and the main programming languages, with Python at the forefront.
In the field of video games, they are able to adapt and can code in C++ (for the Unreal Engine) or C# (essential for the Unity Engine) depending on the tasks they have to carry out.
Their in-depth knowledge of computer code must be backed up by serious skills in graphics and ergonomics, as well as interface design and prototyping.
Professional experience recommended
Relevant internship in the video games industry
Future UI Developers looking for internships in the video games industry will be equally attracted to game design and programming (which are the courses that lead to this profession).
They may also look into other areas, such as integration or website development, to gain experience and skills that will be useful in their future career as a UI Developer.
Working with UX/UI teams and front-end developers
The user interface has two facets: the “front-end” is the visible part with which we interact and the “back-end” is the technical and functional part in the background.
In the context of a video game, the UI Developer is mainly responsible for the “front-end”: menus, object management systems, keyboard or joystick keys, etc.
They work on these tasks with the UI / UX designers, who imagine and conceptualise the graphic, textual or video elements that they will develop and integrate.
Perspectives
What are the career prospects for a UI Developer in the video game industry?
With experience, UI Developers will move into management roles, such as UI Lead Developer, where they will supervise UI / UX teams (designers and developers) to create game or application interfaces.
UI Developers may also move into responsible roles in game design or programming, depending on their affinities, or specialise in, for example, integrating elements into a specific engine, designing menus or creating HUD elements (Head-Up Display: on-screen information summarising the state of the character and the player’s environment).
Which companies are recruiting UI developers?
With the multiplication of digital platforms, the expansion of virtual reality and the increasing need for accessibility, UI Developer profiles are in demand.
As far as video games are concerned, international publishers and major studios (CD Projekt, Electronic Arts, Guerrilla Games, Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, etc.), as well as medium-sized companies (such as Asobo Studio or Kylotonn in France) or those specialising in the creation of mobile games, are recruiting UI Developers.
Job vacancies show that there are opportunities in virtually every sector of digital design and web development.
How do I become a UI Developer?
What is the best school to become a UI Developer?
ISART offers training in video game professions with programmes covering the technical, artistic and creative aspects of the industry.
These video games courses provide students with the skills (professional and social) and experience they need to succeed in a constantly evolving field.
What training do you need to become a UI Developer?
ISART offers two post-baccalaureate courses that are not part of the Parcoursup programme.
Game Programming: the programme includes solid scientific foundations, as in an engineering programme, and enables students to acquire technical and scientific expertise in video games.
- Admission in 1st or 3rd year
- Paris campus
Game Design & Programming: this programme trains complete profiles capable of designing and programming their own games (from prototyping to the development of multiplatform 2D/3D games).
- Admission to 1st year
- Paris & Nice campuses
Other jobs that might interest you
The technical professions in video games design and develop the technical aspects of the game (game engines, graphics, AI, networking and physics), enabling a fluid and immersive gaming experience.
These jobs require solid programming and mathematical skills, the ability to solve complex problems, and a passion for video games and technology:
Engine Developer, Gameplay Programmer, Lead Developer, AI Engineer, VR Engineer, Network Engineer, Devops Engineer, UI Developer, Unity Developer, Unreal Engine Developer, Tools Developer, R&D Developer, Video Game Developer
