Salary vs Freelance Work
One of the most common ways that game developers earn a living is through traditional salary employment. This can be with a large game studio or a small indie team, and typically involves a fixed wage or salary for a set number of hours or tasks. The advantage of this option is that it provides a steady income and a sense of security, as well as access to resources and support from the company. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as limited creative control and the potential for long hours or crunch periods.
Alternatively, many game developers choose to work on a freelance basis. This allows them more flexibility in terms of their work schedule and the types of projects they take on, but also means that they may have to constantly search for new clients and negotiate rates. Freelance work can be particularly attractive to indie developers or those who want to work on their own terms, as it gives them complete creative control over their projects and allows them to keep all the profits for themselves. However, it can also be more challenging in terms of finding stable income and dealing with the administrative burden of managing finances and taxes.
Crowdfunding
Another way that game developers can earn a living is through crowdfunding. This involves raising money from a large number of people, often through platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. In exchange for their support, backers typically receive rewards or exclusive content related to the game.
Selling Own Games Directly
Finally, some game developers choose to sell their own games directly to consumers. This can be through online marketplaces such as Steam or the App Store, or through their own website. The advantage of this option is that it allows developers to retain full creative control over their games and keep all the profits for themselves. It also means that they are not reliant on a third-party publisher or distributor, which can give them more freedom and flexibility in terms of pricing and distribution.
Real-Life Examples
Now that we have looked at the various ways that game developers can earn a living let’s take a closer look at some real-life examples of successful developers who have chosen different paths.
Jonathan Blow, the creator of indie hit games such as Braid and The Last of Us, has been a vocal advocate for developer rights and has spoken out about the challenges faced by indie developers when it comes to making a living in the industry. In an interview with Polygon, Blow said: “I think the most important thing is that game developers should be paid fairly for their work. That means that they should be able to make a living wage, and have some security and stability in their careers.”
