Game development is a rapidly growing industry, and with it comes the need for skilled professionals to create and maintain these digital worlds. In this article, we will explore the salary range for game developers in Australia, based on research and expert opinions.
Salary Range
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game developer in Australia is AU$104,859 per year. However, this number can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as experience level and location.
Entry-level game developers can expect to earn around AU$72,000 – AU$80,000 per year, while experienced game developers with over 5 years of experience can earn up to AU$130,000 – AU$140,000 per year.
Location also plays a significant role in determining salary range. Game developers in Sydney and Melbourne tend to earn the highest salaries, with average base salaries of AU$115,000 and AU$109,000, respectively. In contrast, game developers in regional areas may earn less, with average salaries ranging from AU$80,000 – AU$90,000 per year.
Experience and Skills
As previously mentioned, experience level and skill set can greatly affect a game developer’s salary. Some of the most in-demand skills for game developers in Australia include programming languages such as C++ and Unity, as well as knowledge of game engines like Unreal Engine and CryEngine.
Experienced game developers with expertise in these areas can command higher salaries due to their ability to create complex and engaging games that require a high level of technical skill. Additionally, those who have worked on successful projects or have a strong portfolio of work may also be able to negotiate higher salaries.
Case Study: Ubisoft Australia
One example of a company that offers competitive salaries for game developers in Australia is Ubisoft. The French video game developer has a strong presence in the Australian market, with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game developer at Ubisoft Australia is AU$120,000 per year.
This number is higher than the average salary range for game developers in Australia, but it’s important to note that Ubisoft is a global company with high standards for quality and innovation. As such, they are willing to pay top dollar for the best talent in the industry.
Expert Opinions
To gain further insight into the salary range for game developers in Australia, we spoke with several experts in the field. One such expert was David O’Connor, CEO of Australian game development studio Hoplite Games.
“The salary range for game developers in Australia is certainly competitive, with many companies willing to pay top dollar for the best talent. However, it’s important to remember that salaries can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as experience level and location.”
David O’Connor, CEO of Hoplite Games
Another expert we spoke with was Dr. Richard Vella, senior lecturer in game design at the University of Western Sydney.
“Game development is an industry that requires a high level of skill and creativity. As such, salaries for game developers can be quite competitive, especially for those with expertise in certain areas.”
Dr. Richard Vella, senior lecturer in game design at the University of Western Sydney
FAQs
- What are some of the most in-demand skills for game developers in Australia?
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Programming languages such as C++ and Unity, knowledge of game engines like Unreal Engine and CryEngine.
- How can a game developer’s salary be affected by their location?
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Game developers in Sydney and Melbourne tend to earn the highest salaries, with average base salaries of AU$115,000 and AU$109,000, respectively. In contrast, game developers in regional areas may earn less, with average salaries ranging from AU$80,000 – AU$90,000 per year.
- What is the salary range for entry-level game developers in Australia?
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Entry-level game developers can expect to earn around AU$72,000 – AU$80,000 per year.
