Are you wondering how much game developers make in 2018? Are you eager to learn more about the average salary of game developers across different industries and roles? Then, you’re in luck! In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how much game developers make in 2018. We will analyze data from various sources, including industry reports and expert opinions, to give you an accurate picture of the current state of game developer salaries.
Salary Trends in Game Development Industry
According to a recent report by Glassdoor, the average base salary for game developers in the United States is $98,064 per year. However, this average can vary significantly depending on various factors such as location, experience level, and role. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Location:
Salaries for game developers vary widely depending on the location. For example, game developers in California tend to make more than those in other states. This is due to the high cost of living in California and the strong demand for game development talent in the state. The average salary for game developers in California is $108,932 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Experience Level:
Game developers with more experience tend to make more money than those who are just starting out. According to PayScale, the median annual salary for junior game designers is $74,659, while senior game designers can earn up to $138,704 per year. This shows that experience level plays a crucial role in determining a game developer’s salary.
Role:
Different roles within the game development industry have different salary ranges. For example, game programmers tend to make more than game artists. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for game programmers is $105,982 per year, while game artists earn an average of $77,643 per year.
Factors Affecting Game Developer Salaries
In addition to location, experience level, and role, there are several other factors that can affect a game developer’s salary. These include:
- Company Size
- Industry
- Project Size
- Intellectual Property (IP)
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Game Developer Salaries
Now that we have discussed the various factors that can affect a game developer’s salary, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of what game developers are earning in 2018.
1. John Carmack:
Co-founder of id Software and co-creator of the Doom and Wolfenstein franchises, John Carmack has earned millions from his work in the game development industry. According to Forbes, he earns around $35 million per year from royalties on his games.
2. Clifford Sternberg:
Co-founder and CEO of Niantic Labs, which created Pokémon Go, Clifford Sternberg is reportedly earning around $100 million per year in salary and equity from the company’s success.
3. Markus Persson:
Creator of Minecraft, Markus Persson has earned millions from the game’s success. According to Forbes, he earns around $24 million per year in royalties on the game.
4. Shigeru Miyamoto:
Co-founder of Nintendo and creator of Super Mario Bros.