How to Hire a Game Developer When You’re Not a Tech Expert

In today’s digital age gaming is a sector in itself which is very much alive and in full health. From mobile games to in depth PC and console games the gaming world has for all tastes. But what if you have a great game idea but are short on the tech skills to bring it to life? How do you hire a Game Developer that will take your concept from thought to play out reality?

Whether you are looking to bring in a game designer for the art and visual elements or need a game app developer to do the programming, that process can be overwhelming if you are not in the tech industry. In this article we will walk you through how to hire the right game developer, why their skill set is a must, and how to identify the best talent for your game development project.

What is a Game Developer?

A game developer is a professional that has in depth knowledge of video game design and development. They may work on a number of different aspects of a game from code to game play mechanics and user interface to that of also the integration of sound and visual elements. As per what the game requires, we may look for large scale game developers which have experience in creating more expansive titles or mobile game developers if we are to develop for smart phones.

Some of what game developers do is to:

Game Programming: Coding out the smooth functioning of the game.
Game Engine Integration: Using platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine to create high quality experiences.
Multiplayer Networking: In games which support multiple players the developer will see to it that connection and interaction is enabled.
Quality Assurance (QA): Identifying issues and defects in order to have the game run smoothly on various devices.

Why Hire a Game Developer?

Hiring the right talent is crucial when you want to hire a game developer who can turn your game idea into a playable reality. Here’s why:

Expertise and Specialization: A professional game developer brings the technical expertise needed to build the game, whether it’s a mobile game or a more complex console game.
Efficiency and Speed: Game development can take months or even years, but hiring an experienced developer can speed up the process by ensuring you have the right skills in place.
Higher Quality: Experienced game developers are skilled at identifying potential issues and optimizing your game for performance, ensuring a smooth user experience.

How to Choose the Right Game Developer

Choosing which game developer to go for your project may be overwhelming if you are not into the tech aspects. But the right developer can really turn the game around in terms of success. Here’s how to do it for your needs:

1. Identify Your Game’s Requirements

Before you hire a game designer or a developer, start by outlining the key features of your game. Is it a mobile game or a console game? What genre does it fall under—action, puzzle, adventure, or something else? Understanding the scope of your project will help you hire a developer with the appropriate skills and experience.

For example, if you want to create a mobile game, you’ll want to hire mobile game developers with expertise in building apps for iOS and Android platforms.
If your project is more complex, like a video game for console, you’ll need developers who specialize in game engines and high-performance computing.

If you're looking for more information on how to hire game app developers and the associated costs, you can explore our comprehensive guide on where and how to hire game app developers and the costs involved.

2. Look for Relevant Experience

Experience is a key factor in game development. What we see is that the more a developer has been involved in making games like yours the better they are at tackling the issues which come up. Also ask them to share their portfolio and go over the games they have done in the past.

Also should you choose to go with a game app developer do see to it that they have experience with the platforms you are targeting (for instance iOS, Android) and that they have used the tools and tech that align with your project. Also see to it that they are versed in the tech stack you are looking at for your game app.

For an in depth look at which game developers to hire and what skills they bring to the table as well as the costs associated with them see our guide on how to hire game developers.

3. Evaluate Their Technical Skills

A game developer needs to be proficient in programming languages such as C#, C++, or JavaScript. They should also be familiar with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, which are commonly used for both mobile and console game development. When you hire game developers, ensure they have expertise in these areas, especially if you're planning a cross-platform game.

Additionally, if your game requires backend support (like multiplayer features), make sure the developer has experience with server-side programming and networking.

4. Assess Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. You will need to provide feedback and work closely with the game developer throughout the development process. A developer who is easy to communicate with and open to feedback will help ensure that your game turns out as you envision.

Check how they explain technical concepts and ensure that you feel comfortable discussing your project with them, even if you're not a tech expert.

5. Check Client Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a game developer is by looking at their past projects and client testimonials. Reviews and ratings can give you insight into the developer's reliability, ability to meet deadlines, and overall work ethic.

You can ask them for case studies, or even speak to previous clients to understand the developer’s strengths and weaknesses.

6. Determine Your Budget and Pricing Model

The cost of hiring a game developer will vary depending on the complexity of the project, the developer’s experience, and the development timeline. Set a clear budget and ask developers for estimates based on your game’s scope. Some developers charge hourly rates, while others may provide fixed-price quotes.

If you're on a tight budget, you can consider hiring a freelance game developer, but keep in mind that larger projects may require an agency that can offer more resources and specialized expertise. If you are looking for a team of dedicated developers, you might want to explore options for hiring dedicated developers for more long-term support.

Freelancer vs. Agency: Which Is Right for Your Project?

When deciding whether to hire a game app developer or an agency, consider the scale of your project. Freelance developers are typically more cost-effective for smaller games and can be ideal for simple mobile games. However, if you're working on a larger or more complex project, a development agency may be a better choice because of their team of experts and ability to handle multiple aspects of game development.

Freelance Developers

Typically more affordable
More flexible with work hours and project changes.
For small scale projects and indie games.

Development Agencies

More expensive but offer a full team of experts (designers, coders, artists, testers)
Ideal for larger, more complex projects
Can provide end-to-end solutions, from game design to publishing

If you are looking to hire for specific development roles which will be dedicated to your project, visit our page on how to hire dedicated developers.

How Long Does It Take to Develop a Game?

The development timeline for games is very flexible based on which of the game’s elements are present. Very basic mobile games may take from a few to a half a year of development, whereas more complex console or PC games may take several years. Work with your developer to set a realistic timeline out and also identify key milestones in which to measure progress.

Legal Considerations When Hiring a Game Developer

When you hire a game developer, make sure the contract clearly outlines the terms of intellectual property (IP) ownership, payment terms, and confidentiality. You want to ensure that you own the rights to the game once it’s developed, and that the developer respects your confidentiality if you have any sensitive information.

Take your game to the next level. Let’s collaborate and bring your concept to life—contact us today!

Conclusion: Hire the Right Game Developer for Your Project

Hiring a game developer can seem intimidating, but by following these guidelines, you’ll be able to find the right person or team to bring your game idea to life. Whether you're looking to hire a game designer for the creative aspects or a game app developer to handle the technical side, the right developer will ensure your project is a success.

Make sure to define your game concept clearly, evaluate the developer's experience and skills, and establish a budget that works for your needs. With the right game developer by your side, your dream game can become a reality.

FAQs

Ans. We look for skills in programming languages (e.g. C#, C+ and game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine) as well as platform specific knowledge (mobile, console, PC).

Ans. Search out developers that have put together a robust portfolio of mobile games, also it goes that they have experience in iOS and Android development which is a plus. We suggest you start your search on freelance platforms and game development agencies.

Ans. For small projects a freelancer will do, but for large and complex projects an agency can put together a full team of specialists.

Ans. The price is based on the game’s complexity and the developer’s experience. What we see is that simple mobile games may cost less, but at the other end of the scale large scale console games can go for a much higher price.

Ans. Simple games which are not complex may take a few months of work but more advanced projects may take over a year to finish.