If you’re a video game designer looking to make a living out of your passion for creating immersive and engaging digital worlds, you might be wondering how much money you can expect to earn in a month. The answer is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the company, the complexity of the project, and your experience level.
Salaries for video game designers vary widely
As mentioned earlier, the amount of money a video game designer can earn in a month depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is the size and type of company they work for. Large, well-established companies like EA or Ubisoft typically have more resources to pay their employees higher salaries, while smaller indie studios may struggle to afford to pay their team.
Another factor that can affect a video game designer’s salary is the complexity of the project they are working on. For example, designing a complex open-world game like Red Dead Redemption 2 will likely earn you more money than creating a simple mobile game.
Experience level also plays a significant role in determining a video game designer’s salary. Those with more experience and a strong portfolio of work may be able to command higher salaries, while newer designers may struggle to make ends meet.
Real-life examples of video game designer salaries
To get a better sense of what a video game designer can expect to earn in a month, let’s take a look at some real-life examples.
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Senior level video game designer: A senior level video game designer with 5+ years of experience can expect to make anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000 per year. This equates to roughly $6,000 to $12,500 per month, depending on the size and type of company they work for.
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Junior level video game designer: A junior level video game designer with 0-2 years of experience can expect to make anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. This equates to roughly $3,333 to $5,833 per month, depending on the size and type of company they work for.
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Freelance video game designer: A freelance video game designer may be able to charge more per hour than a full-time employee, depending on their experience level and portfolio of work. However, their salary will also depend on how many projects they are able to secure and the length of those projects.
FAQs about video game designer salaries
Q: What is the average salary for a video game designer?
A: The average salary for a video game designer varies widely depending on factors such as experience level, company size, and project complexity. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a video game designer in the United States is around $83,000 per year.
Q: Do video game designers work full-time or freelance?
A: Video game designers can choose to work full-time for a company or as a freelancer. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Full-time employment typically offers more stability and benefits, while freelancing allows for greater flexibility and the ability to work on multiple projects at once.
Q: How do I become a video game designer?
A: To become a video game designer, you will need a degree in game design or a related field, as well as experience creating games. You can gain experience by working on personal projects, participating in game jams, and interning at game development companies.
