While video game production used to be seen as a niche industry, it now offers a sprawling range of opportunities for aspiring programmers, developers and computer scientists. And with mobile devices becoming the primary source of internet traffic, mobile application development has become highly relevant to programmers and coders.
This increase in reliance on mobile devices means that the future is bright for mobile application development and mobile game programming. To help you better understand this evolving landscape, we’ll provide an overview of some of the key things that aspiring programmers should consider, including top skills, best practices in app development and game programming, exciting innovations, and more.
Out of $184 billion generated in 2023 by all types of games, the mobile game market share was $90 billion — 49% of the gaming market.
Top Skills for an App Developer
Today’s developers will need to grasp and attain key skills that position them for success in this evolving domain. More than just learning code languages, developers should understand the applications of different coding languages, design theory, and the basics of different mobile operating systems. While some developers may be self-taught, the application and game programming industry has become increasingly complex, which has made advanced education in computer science all the more important. Earning an MS in Computer Science is a great way to learn all the skills you’ll need to have a successful career as a coder, programmer, or app developer.Learn Coding Languages
One of the most critical skills for developers is a working understanding of coding languages. The language that professionals should learn can vary, especially depending on their intended career path. For mobile developers some of the most relevant languages include:
- Java and Kotlin: Java is still used for updating legacy Android applications, while Kotlin has superseded it as the primary programming language for modern Android development.
- Swift: Swift is used for development of applications across Apple platforms, including iPhone and iPad iOS. This programming language is highly relevant to developers who seek to create applications for Apple mobile devices.
- Typescript: Closely related to Javascript, Typescript is used to develop mobile applications for Android and Apple user environments.
For developers of non-mobile applications, other coding languages may be relevant, including:
- C: C is an older coding language that remains widely relevant, especially for portable applications and apps that require careful optimization.
- C++: C++ is similar to C but includes additional features, such as object-oriented programming and the standard template library. C++ is used in modern game engines such as Unreal 5.
- C#: C# is also related to C, but utilizes Microsoft’s .NET framework and open source .NET Core, enabling developers to access a range of productivity features. This is used as a scripting language in modern game engines such as Unity.
Learn User Interface Considerations
Whether you plan to create mobile games, other mobile apps, or even games or applications designed for non-mobile systems, user interface is one of the most important design considerations for end-users. Most applications have a user interface of some kind, so developers should consider factors like:
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Intuitive navigation
- Clutter-free visual layouts
- Consistent design
Learn Broadly Applicable Logic Skills
Regardless of your application type, platform, and coding language, improving your logic skills is a great way to improve your overall development skills. This might include considering programming optimizations, gaining an understanding of language syntax, learning mathematical concepts, and practicing conditional logic in your code.
Best Practices for App Development and Game Programming
Whether you’re interested in app development or specifically game programming, certain best practices should be kept in mind. Both the planning stage and execution phase of development have their own unique considerations.
Planning Stage
A well-designed application is often one that was well-planned. For developing mobile applications and games, there are numerous considerations to take while planning, including:
- Development environment: This is the environment in which you’ll develop your application. Choose your environment based on what devices you want the application to run on as well as what language you’re using.
- Which language to use: This may depend on your development environment, intended devices, and the complexity of your project.
- Graphical user interface (GUI) considerations: Considering how the interface will work can help you design an application more efficiently.
- Goals and mechanics: If you identify your goals for the application early on, you’ll be able to better determine which mechanisms you’ll use to achieve them.
- Platform requirements: It’s important to consider the platform requirements for your application, which may include considering app store requirements, system specs, and more. It’s essential to ensure that your application will be usable on the intended platform.
Execution Phase
Planning out the development of a new application or game is a critical first step, after which successful execution becomes the main focus of development. This is about more than just following a road map, however. Development professionals must leverage their knowledge and experience to find the most effective ways to apply programming and resources. Solving problems with programming is about more than just finding code that works — it’s also about optimization, user-friendliness, and reliability.
- Optimization: In programming, there are usually multiple ways to accomplish the same task. Optimization requires developers to consider all their knowledge and experience to find efficiencies where possible, while ensuring that the application remains accessible. Optimization techniques may also differ based on target platform, for instance, optimizing for mobile is different than for a PC.
- User-friendliness: User-friendliness is a critical differentiator that spells success for many applications. As critical as it is, it can be hard to simply define a user-friendly app or game. In order to tackle this multifaceted challenge, development teams might rely on test-users who offer insights on their experience of the app before release.
- Reliability: A script that only works sometimes isn’t acceptable to push. Development professionals must ensure that programs work reliably at different times and in a variety of network conditions, as well as across different devices and networks.
Innovations and Emerging Technologies
Technological advancements continue to shift the boundaries of application and game design and development. These innovations are changing not only the way we use applications and games, but how they’re developed as well. Some of the most impactful shifts lie in emerging technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.Cloud Integrations
Cloud integrations have enabled the seamless connection between end-devices and end-users near and far, allowing for real-time updates, scalability of services, and instant access to computing resources. However, developers must maintain a careful focus on networking optimization and IT security as a result. The tradeoff offers cloud-supported functionality that can leverage vast resources and connectivity.Artificial Intelligence
AI is a vast field that is growing rapidly in multiple directions and revolutionizing various fields, including computer science, information technology, and software development. Generative AI has changed the way we interact with visual art, machine learning has improved our ability to derive valuable insights from vast datasets, and large language models have enabled us to accelerate the processes of text content creation, coding, and iterative feedback implementations. Amid this, developers are seeking new ways to implement AI into games on both the front and back ends. AI-powered NPCs, for example, may shift the variability of new games, adding an extra dimension of depth to character interactions, while generative AI tools can enable developers to quickly implement new code, analyze data, and push updates and functionality improvements. Computer science professionals who are able to leverage their expertise and skills to apply AI functionality will be well-equipped to successfully navigate the quickly changing landscape.Why Is Mobile App Development Key to Business Success?
Mobile devices have become so ubiquitous that mobile app development has become a primary, rather than secondary, focus for many organizations — not just developers. Many companies have found ways to leverage the popularity of mobile operating systems to create better business outcomes. Mobile application development can help businesses better connect with users, update customers on their offerings, and stay relevant to important customers and clients. Going beyond offering an easy-to-use way for customers and other users to engage with the business, mobile app development removes user barriers and allows companies to be accessible to their target audience.The type of app that an organization would develop depends on their product or service. Some examples include:
- Private apps that are distributed amongst employees in a workforce
- Storefront apps that allow customers to make purchases
- User applications that enable customers and clients to access services
- Utility applications that add value and improve relationships with users
Salary, Career Opportunities and Industry Growth for Developers
The programming, software development, and computer science fields are full of opportunities, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 26% job growth through 2033 for computer scientists. While specific roles and salaries for mobile app and game developers can vary widely, businesses value candidates with strong training who can create successful games and mobile applications. There are even more careers you can pursue with a master’s in computer science, as senior-level and leadership roles will often require a master’s degree.| Job Title | Job Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile application developer | Mobile application developers are responsible for helping develop applications optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and even wearable devices. | $107,300 |
| Video game developer | Video game developers are responsible for designing and developing video games for a variety of consoles and platforms. They primarily code the base engine of the game, but they may also work with design teams on the creative aspects of game production. | $93,600 |
| Computer programmer | Programmers apply their expertise in coding and computer languages to create working programs. All programming includes coding, but not all coders are programmers: programmers take on additional tasks like quality testing and optimization to ensure that their code culminates in a functional program. | $84,400 |
| Database administrator | Databases are one of the most critical pieces of IT infrastructure. As data gets bigger and more complex, these professionals leverage their expertise in computer science and ensure business data is accurate, usable, and efficient. | $109,800 |
*Source: Lightcast
How Does Pace University Prepare You for the Future of Mobile Application and Game Development?
Mobile application and game development is evolving rapidly, so pursuing a future-focused computer science program such as the Pace University online MS in Computer Science ensures that you are able to understand and navigate this exciting field.Debating between an MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Technology, or MS in Software Development? Read our other articles to learn how to choose the best master’s degree for your goals:
The program’s rigorous curriculum is tailored to the needs of today’s development professionals, and features customization opportunities through curated focus areas in AI and Application Development. The Application Development focus area consists of three courses designed to teach you all the skills you need to excel in mobile application and game development:
- Game Programming
- Application Development With .NET and Web Services
- Mobile Web Content and Development
About the Online Master of Science in Computer Science at Pace University
The Pace University online Master of Science in Computer Science provides hands-on training that professionals need to excel in leadership or managerial positions in computer science and systems, or to transition into the field. Select a focus area in artificial intelligence or application development, or choose to create your own with our wide variety of electives. The master’s degree program is taught by experienced practitioners and active members of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE).
Learn more today by requesting a brochure, or get started on your application.
Pace University also offers an on-campus option for the MS in Computer Science.Request
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