How Much Money Does a Video Game Designer
Make

The question, "How much money does a video game designer make?" has numerous answers, depending on who you ask. A few factors also determine the answer to the above question. On average, video game designers can make anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 a year, but this is not set in stone. Different game design jobs require different skills, which in turn drives salary. This article lists factors that influence beginning wages.

The biggest factor is you. What can you bring to the company? What assets do you have that will help the company succeed? Ultimately, you can ask for a starting salary. Be fair to yourself, but also to the company.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having an academic background in game design. Some advantages:

• You are taught the latest technology.
• You use the latest software
• Sometimes, teachers are industry professional or have been industry professionals. It's almost like working at an actual design studio with an actual head designer.
• You can get a good stack of references, if you've done well for your teachers.

Some disadvantages:

• Finding a job right out of school can be difficult. Having school project experience is sometimes not enough for a potential employer.
• The projects you engage yourself with don't give you the real world type environment. You might feel unprepared when thrown into a project team.
• Some students get burned out, but this is normal for any student learning any profession.

Whether or not you received an education for video game design, experience is favorable when employers look at hiring new designers. Moving from many companies in a short amount of time isn't the kind of experience you need.

What have you worked on? What was your exact job at said video game company? To show your experience, you'll want to bring examples, of course, but you need to be excited about what you have done. The more experience you can prove, the better your chances at a higher salary. Some average salaries for those with experience:

• Lead Designer, $80,000 to $100,000.
• Programmer, $50,000 to $70,000
• Artists, $35,000 to $50,000
• Debuggers, $30,000 to $45,000

There is no one set location that video game companies must be headquartered. Most companies have multiple locations spanning different cities depending on who they develop for. Now, location just doesn't mean a physical place, it also means salary competitiveness.

Do some research about salaries in the surrounding areas that house jobs equal to yours. Larger cities like Chicago and New York will be easier. If a prospective company is located in a smaller city or town, then try finding similar jobs in the closest large cities. Lastly, research nationwide salaries for an idea of where to start.

How much money a video game designer makes can also largely be determined by the hiring company itself. A video game company that creates success only wants to create more successful games, so they hire only the best. Companies like this tend to pay more initially (approximately $40,000 to $50,000) and offer good bonuses.

Just like any job, you can work your way up the video game design ladder. Certain jobs of video game design can elicit different salaries. For instance, being a project team leader is a good promotion and doing an excellent job on your first team will prove to the bosses that you are worthy of leading another team. Other jobs that are possible:

• Lead Designer
• Programmer
• Level designer
• Rendering specialist
• Debugger
• Game Tester - They are not directly involved in video game design, but are part of the process. This position is typically paid with an hourly wage.

No matter what the answer is to "How much money does a video game designer make?", the amount should reflect experience or education, be competitive, and represent the companies perception of its industry status. A salary is dependent on a few factors, which could be out of your control. Research, potential company knowledge, and great examples of your work separate you from other job hunters.

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