Video game design is a rapidly growing industry, with millions of people around the world playing video games every day. As a result, the demand for skilled video game designers has never been higher. But how much can you expect to make as a video game designer? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at video game designer salaries, including what factors can affect your earnings and what you can do to increase your earning potential.
What is a Video Game Designer?
Before we dive into salaries, let’s first define what a video game designer is. A video game designer is responsible for creating the overall concept and design of a video game. This includes everything from the storyline and characters to the gameplay mechanics and level design. Video game designers work closely with other members of the development team, including programmers, artists, and sound designers, to bring their vision to life.
Salary Range for Video Game Designers
The salary range for video game designers can vary widely depending on a number of factors. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a video game designer in the United States is around $85,000 per year. However, this can range from as low as $50,000 per year to as high as $130,000 per year or more.
Factors That Affect Video Game Designer Salaries
There are several factors that can affect how much you can expect to make as a video game designer. Here are some of the most important:
Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a big role in determining your salary as a video game designer. Entry-level designers can expect to make less than those with several years of experience under their belt.
Location: Where you live can also impact your salary as a video game designer. Salaries tend to be higher in major cities with a large concentration of game development studios, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Company Size: The size of the company you work for can also affect your salary. Larger companies tend to pay more than smaller ones, although this isn’t always the case.
Specialization: Finally, your area of specialization can also impact your salary. For example, designers who specialize in game mechanics or level design may make more than those who focus on character design or story development.
How to Increase Your Video Game Designer Salary
If you’re interested in increasing your earning potential as a video game designer, there are several things you can do. Here are a few tips:
- Build Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is one of the most important tools you have as a video game designer. Make sure it showcases your best work and highlights your skills and experience.
- Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: The video game industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Attend industry conferences, read industry publications, and network with other professionals in the field.
- Specialize in a High-Demand Area: As mentioned earlier, specializing in a high-demand area such as game mechanics or level design can increase your earning potential.
- Consider Freelancing: Freelancing can be a great way to increase your income as a video game designer. Many companies hire freelancers for short-term projects, and you may be able to command higher rates than you would as a full-time employee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video game design is an exciting and rewarding field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. While salaries can vary widely depending on a number of factors, there are steps you can take to increase your earning potential. By building your portfolio, staying up-to-date with industry trends, specializing in a high-demand area, and considering freelancing, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.