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sc94597 on 30 August 2025
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curl-6 said:
sc94597 said:

This is not traditionally how these words are used, no. Designers are part of a software development company, but they aren't developers in so much as they are solely performing the designer role. And not all (actually, very few these days) designers have a history as a developer. Many game designers have not written any code and have very superficial ideas of computing constraints. It is their job (in part) to know these constraints, but that is an ideal rather than a practical reality. 

"Developer" is shorthand for the studio, the whole team. Not just the programmers.

It also refers to a specific role in the process of game production.  

Here is an example. 

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3597939b909cff88&from=shareddesktop_copy

We are seeking a passionate and talented 3D Game Developer to join our growing game development team. You will help build immersive, interactive 3D games using Unity (C#) or Unreal Engine (C++), working closely with designers, artists, and senior developers to create engaging experiences for PC and console platforms.

The other point made is that the publisher is often involved in the design process, and that is often a separate company. Often developers have their hands tied (those who perform the developer role and the organization as a whole.)