As a game developer, you’re likely wondering how much you can expect to earn in your field. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, understanding the average salary for game developers is important. In this article, we will explore the various factors that determine the earnings of game developers and provide you with an insight into how much they typically earn on average.
Factors Affecting Game Developer Salaries
- Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in determining a game developer’s salary. As with any profession, the longer you have been working in the field, the more experience you have gained, and the higher your earning potential. A game developer with 5 years of experience can expect to earn more than someone who is just starting out.
- Location
The location where you work as a game developer also affects your salary. Game development studios in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London tend to pay higher salaries compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is mainly because of the cost of living and competition for talent in these cities.
- Type of Game Development
The type of game development you specialize in also affects your salary. For instance, game developers who work on AAA games (i.e., big-budget, blockbuster games) tend to earn more than those who work on indie games. Additionally, mobile game development tends to pay less than console or PC game development due to the lower revenue generated from mobile games.
- Education and Skills
Having a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields can also increase your earning potential as a game developer. It shows that you have invested time and resources into learning the necessary skills required for the job. Additionally, having specialized skills such as programming, art, or sound design can make you more valuable to potential employers.
- Company Size
The size of the company you work for also affects your salary. Larger companies tend to have more resources and are willing to pay higher salaries to attract and retain top talent. On the other hand, smaller indie studios may not be able to compete with larger companies in terms of salary but may offer more creative freedom and a better work-life balance.
Average Salary for Game Developers
According to Glassdoor data from January 2021, the average salary for game developers in the United States is around $98,763 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the factors discussed above. In Canada, the average salary for game developers is around $85,440 per year, while in the UK it is around £45,000 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just averages and may not accurately reflect the salaries of all game developers. Some game developers working on AAA games or at larger companies may earn significantly more than these averages, while others working on indie games or smaller studios may earn less.
Real-Life Examples
To provide a better understanding of how much game developers can expect to earn, let’s look at some real-life examples.
John Doe
John is a senior game developer with 10 years of experience working on console and PC games for major studios in New York City. He specializes in programming and has a degree in computer science. Based on his experience and skills, he can expect to earn an average salary of around $120,000 per year.
Jane Smith
Jane is a game designer with 5 years of experience working on mobile games for smaller indie studios in San Francisco. She has a degree in game design and specializes in art and animation. Based on her experience and skills, she can expect to earn an average salary of around $70,000 per year.
Bob Johnson
Bob is a sound designer with 8 years of experience working on AAA games for a major studio in Los Angeles.