Games
Artificial intelligence (AI) programmer
What does an artificial intelligence (AI) programmer do?
AI programmers create the brains of the game. The non-playable characters (NPCs - the ones that are not controlled by a player) need to make decisions and behave in ways that are believable, exciting and present the player with varying degrees of challenge. The role of the AI programmer is to write the code that outlines the way these characters operate. This gives the impression that NPCs have thought and emotion.
AI programming is a highly specialised area, however, there is often overlap with physics and gameplay programming. The exact scope of the job varies from studio to studio.
Watch
- AI in Game Development UK: How British Studios Are Building Smarter Games
- How AI is ACTUALLY used in Game Development
What’s an AI programmer good at?
- Programming: have a very high-level of programming ability, adapt new scripting languages, understand the requirements and constraints of games consoles, PCs, handhelds and mobiles
- Maths: have outstanding maths abilities, strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Psychology: understand how characters are likely to behave
- Knowledge of gameplay: understand how the behaviours of the characters will enhance the player’s experience and strengthen the authenticity of the game
- Innovation: be able to develop cutting-edge systems and use them in a creative way
- Communication: be able to share expertise in writing and verbally with other members of the team
Who does an AI programmer work with?
AI programmers work closely with physics programmers and gameplay programmers. They report to the lead designer and work hand-in-hand with gameplay designers to create the decision trees and neural networks that form the basis of the game. They also work with QA technicians to fix issues that arise from testing.
How do you become an AI programmer?
AI programmers tend to be very highly qualified. They often have a master’s degree or a PhD. Even with academic research behind them, they still need several years’ experience as a generalist programmer in the games industry before being taken on in AI.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in maths, physics computing or computer science to prepare for going to university.
Get a degree:
An increasing number of physics programmers have master’s degrees and PhDs. Get a degree in, physics, computer programming, game development or advanced mathematics. Or have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in games and select one in programming. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the games industry.
Build a portfolio:
Whatever your route you are going to need to build a portfolio to show to admissions tutors and employers. Go to Build your games portfolio to learn how.
Have a go at modding:
Create your own levels of published games using software toolkits provided as part of these games.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find out if there are games companies near you. Then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. Look for roles as a generalist programmer first.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in…
Being a technical animator, graphics programmer, gameplay programmer, physics programmer, virtual reality (VR) programmer, tools engineer, an engine programmer or a network programmer in the games industry. You might also be interested in being a software developer in visual effects (VFX). Alternatively, you could consider a technical director (TD) role in VFX or in the animation industry, or working in robotics.
