The video game industry is growing rapidly, and there’s never been a better time to be a game developer. With the rise of mobile gaming, esports, and virtual reality, game development has become a highly sought-after skill. But what was the average salary for game developers in 2019? In this article, we will explore the salaries of game developers in various positions, regions, and industries.
Salary of Game Developers by Position
Programmers are responsible for writing code to create games. They work with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and use programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game programmer in the United States is around $97,000 per year. However, this number can vary depending on the level of experience, location, and size of the company.
Artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, such as characters, environments, and animations. They use software like Photoshop or Maya to create these assets. The average salary for a game artist in the United States is around $76,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. Again, this number can vary depending on the level of experience, location, and size of the company.
Designers are responsible for creating the gameplay mechanics and rules of a game. They work closely with programmers and artists to ensure that the game is fun and engaging. The average salary for a game designer in the United States is around $80,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Producers are responsible for overseeing the development of a game from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams, and ensure that the game meets its goals and deadlines. The average salary for a game producer in the United States is around $120,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Quality Assurance Testers are responsible for testing games to ensure that they are free of bugs and glitches. They use software like JIRA to track issues and provide feedback to developers. The average salary for a quality assurance tester in the United States is around $60,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Salary of Game Developers by Region
North America
The salaries for game developers in North America are generally higher than in other regions due to the size and influence of the video game industry in the United States and Canada. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game developer in North America is around $95,000 per year.
Europe
The salaries for game developers in Europe vary widely depending on the country. In Germany, the average salary for a game developer is around €68,000 per year, according to Payscale. In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a game developer is around £42,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Asia
The salaries for game developers in Asia are generally lower than in North America and Europe due to the lower cost of labor in some countries. In China, the average salary for a game developer is around ¥60,000 per year, according to LinkedIn. In Japan, the average salary for a game developer is around ¥3.5 million yen per year, according to Glassdoor.
Salary of Game Developers by Industry
Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has become a major player in the video game industry, and game developers who specialize in mobile games can earn above-average salaries. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mobile game developer in the United States is around $105,000 per year.
