Software and Game Development

Software is one of those unassuming little words that encapsulate a lot of very big constituent parts. Think of the pervasiveness of video games and websites in your social and recreational life; of the need for computer networks in every modern university, school and workplace; and of the programming that is essential for carrying out any kind of a task on your pc, from compiling a document to sending an email. And that’s just for starters!

Ireland is one of the world’s largest exporters of software. Needless to say, courses in software and/or game development are noteworthy for producing graduates with excellent career prospects both in Ireland and abroad.

Education

Several third level degrees are available in Software Development, Games Development, and combinations of the two closely related disciplines.

Software Development Degrees are available from several institutes of technology, the Tipperary Institute, and NUI Maynooth (Computer Science & Software Engineering). Students are introduced to computer programming, effectively the ‘language’ used to create all software, and mathematics for computing, before moving on to more complex areas as the degree progresses, such as software testing, computer system/software design, and artificial intelligence.

Some degrees enable students to focus on a particular area of software. For instance: Athlone IT’s Software Design – Web Development (AL034) is the perfect preparation for a career as a web designer; while Software Development & Computer Networking in Cork IT targets the telecommunications and computer networking industries.

Games Development Degrees cover the same programming and software design areas, as well as specific modules on subjects such as game design, audio technology, 3D modelling, and computer animation.

Further education provides several avenues into software development and computer game design.

Software FETAC Level 5 Certificates are available from a large number of PLC colleges around the country. Some focus on a particular area of software development, such as in Plunket College, which concentrates on e-business; while Whitehall College’s programme (Media Software Development) involves the use of software in multimedia – electronically manipulating text, video, sound and imagery. PLC programmes that introduce school leavers to the computer game design and development industry are available from Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Cavan Institute, O’Fiaich Institute and St John’s Central College.

The Work

Software programmers, designers and engineers are at the cutting edge of the information technology sector; their roles frequently involve theoretical and research work. They create new and develop existing computer programmes that enable everything from a network of PCs to robotics in manufacturing to carry out functions.

Additional functions include identifying and correcting bugs in software programmes, testing new software and compiling user manuals.

The computer gaming sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. For the gaming enthusiasts among you, there is little to be said about working as a games designer other than the words ‘dream’ and ‘job’!

Alternative career paths for graduates of software and games development are available in sectors like e-learning, e-business, website development, mobile applications, and interactive TV and DVD technology.

Did you know?

According to the Entertainment Software Association 42% of all game players are women. In fact, women over the age of 18 represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (37 percent) than boys age 17 or younger (13 percent).

Further Resources

• Irish Software Association (ISA): http://www.software.ie/
• Gamedevelopers.ie – information resource for Irish game development community: http://www.gamedevelopers.ie/
• Dare to be Digital – computer game development competition: www.daretobedigital.com

Donal Kavanagh