Games
Network programmer
Also known as: Network engineer
What does a network programmer do?
Network programmers make it possible for gamers to play with each other. They develop the code behind online multiplayer games so that everything that happens in a game gets transmitted from one machine to another. This means the same things are displayed on each machine at more or less the same time which makes playing a game with people on other consoles and devices possible.
It’s one of the most complex areas of game planning as network programmers not only need to have an excellent understanding of game programming but also of network protocols and client/server engineering.
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What’s a network programmer good at?
- Knowledge of games engines: understand the mechanics of gameplay and the requirements of games engines
- Knowledge of servers: integrate gameplay code with server engineering
- Knowledge of OSI: sound understanding of its layers, socket programming, routing
- Problem-solving: find solutions to technical difficulties
- Work independently: solve problems without peers as network programmers are often the only people doing the job within a studio – but be able to work well with other team members too
Who does a network programmer work with?
Network programmers talk to gameplay programmers about delivering network functionality. They also work with platform holders and hosting providers.
How do you become a network programmer?
This is not an entry level role. It’s a highly complex area of engineering. Think of getting work as a junior network programmer in another industry and move into games from there.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in maths, physics, computing or computer science. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in computing. Look at what your local college offers and the qualifications offered by training providers like Pearson, NCC Education and T Levels.
Get a degree:
Most people in the games industry have degrees. For this role a degree in computer science will be the most useful. An increasing number of programmers have master’s degrees too.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find games companies near you, then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. Even if they are not advertising the right role, if you like a specific company it’s worth emailing them to let them know you’re looking in case something suitable comes up in future.
Look outside games:
It’s worth being a network programmer in any other industry as using similar software will build up your skills. You can use this to move into games at a later point.
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 graphics programmer, gameplay programmer, physics programmer, artificial intelligence (AI) programmer, virtual reality (VR) programmer, tools engineer or an engine 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.
