How to Verify the Skills and Experience of a London-Based Game Developer

London has a thriving game development scene, with studios and independent developers working on everything from mobile games to high-end console titles. If you’re looking to hire a game developer in the city, you’ll want to make sure they have the right skills, experience, and mindset to bring your vision to life. But how do you separate the true professionals from those who might not be up to the task?

Verifying a developer’s skills goes beyond just looking at their CV. You need to dig into their past projects, assess their technical abilities, and ensure they can work well within your team. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure you hire a game developer in London that you can trust.

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Review Their Portfolio and Past Projects

A developer’s portfolio is one of the most important indicators of their abilities. A strong portfolio should showcase a range of projects, demonstrating their skills across different game genres and platforms.

Look for games that match the type of project you’re working on. If you need a mobile game developer, check whether they have experience in that area. If your game requires complex AI or multiplayer functionality, see if they’ve worked on similar systems before.

It’s also worth playing some of the games they’ve worked on if possible. Does the gameplay feel smooth? Are the mechanics well-executed? A portfolio can look impressive at first glance, but actually playing the games will give you a real sense of the developer’s skills. Check out these video game developers in London.

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Check Their Technical Skills

Technical expertise is the backbone of game development. Depending on your project, you may need a developer who specialises in:

• Game engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, etc.
• Programming languages: C++, C#, Python, JavaScript.
• Game mechanics and physics: How they handle player interactions, AI behaviour, and environmental physics.
• Multiplayer development: Experience in networking and server management.

If you’re unsure about technical aspects yourself, consider bringing in a consultant or technical lead to help assess their abilities. A skilled developer should be able to explain their technical choices clearly and demonstrate their expertise in a way that makes sense to non-developers.

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Read Client Testimonials and Reviews

One of the best ways to verify a developer’s reliability is through reviews from previous clients. Check platforms like Clutch, LinkedIn, and Google Reviews to see what others have said about working with them.

Look for common themes in the feedback. If multiple clients praise their ability to meet deadlines and communicate well, that’s a good sign. On the other hand, if you see repeated complaints about missed deadlines or a lack of responsiveness, proceed with caution.

If possible, reach out to past clients directly to ask about their experience. They may give you more honest insights than what’s publicly available in reviews.

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Assess Their Problem-Solving and Creativity

Game development isn’t just about writing code—it’s about solving problems creatively. Ask potential hires about challenges they’ve faced in past projects and how they overcame them.

Good developers won’t just tell you what they did; they’ll explain why they took a certain approach and how it improved the final product. This gives you an insight into their problem-solving skills and whether they can adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

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Test Their Communication and Teamwork

Game development is a collaborative process. Whether the developer will be working within your in-house team or as a freelancer, they need to be able to communicate clearly and work well with others.

Pay attention to how they communicate during the hiring process. Are they responsive and professional? Do they explain their ideas in a way that’s easy to understand? If they struggle with basic communication now, it could lead to bigger issues down the line.

If possible, involve your designers, artists, or project managers in the interview process to see how well the developer interacts with the rest of the team.

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Verify Industry Certifications and Continuous Learning

While formal education isn’t always necessary in game development, certifications and ongoing learning show a commitment to staying updated with industry trends.

Check whether they have certifications in game engines (such as Unity Certified Developer) or software development methodologies like Agile and Scrum. Also, look for signs of continuous learning, such as attending game development conferences, participating in hackathons, or taking relevant online courses.

The best developers are always improving their skills, and a willingness to learn is just as important as existing expertise.

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Why Outsourcing to Game Developers is More Cost-Effective

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Do you want to build a game that will benefit your business? This can be a great way to connect with your customers, as well as make a profit. But, you first have to design the game and make sure it’s fully functional. Perhaps you’re on the fence about outsourcing and aren’t sure whether this is the best move.

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Indeed, there’s a misconception that in-house teams are always going to save you money. This isn’t always the case. Let’s take a look at why you’re better off hiring game developers if you want to be cost-effective with your idea.

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 Avoid the Hiring Costs

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If you don’t have experienced game developers in your team already, you’re going to have to bring them on board for this project. Many companies underestimate just how much this can cost. You’ve got all of the advertising and hiring fees to consider, then you have to think about the annual salaries. These expenses soon add up and if you have a tight budget for your game, this isn’t something that you want. Instead, many businesses find it better to outsource. It’s a much affordable way to get experts for a one-off project since you have none of these fees.

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More Expertise

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Companies find that they can actually gain access to more experience through outsourcing. Game developers are constantly working on projects for clients and building up their skills in the process. This is something that you can benefit from and they can help you bring your ideas to life.

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No Technology Investment

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There’s a lot of software and tools you need to create a game. Are you ready for this type of expense? It can cost more than you think, which is why outsourcing is better. You’re paying for a service and you know that they already have access to all of the best technology to build a game.

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Conclusion

Hiring the right game developer in London is about more than just checking their CV. By reviewing their portfolio, assessing their technical and problem-solving skills, and ensuring they communicate well, you’ll be in a much stronger position to choose someone who can truly bring your game to life.

Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t rush into a decision. A great game developer can make all the difference in your project’s success, so it’s worth putting in the effort to find the right one.

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