Introduction
Are you curious about how much game developers working for Electronic Arts (EA) make? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of game development and explore the salaries of EA game developers. We’ll cover everything from entry-level positions to executive salaries, as well as provide some insights into the factors that can influence a developer’s earning potential.
Entry-Level Game Developer Salaries
Entry-level game developers typically start out in junior roles such as game designers, programmers, or artists. While the exact salary for these positions will vary depending on factors like location and experience level, we can look at some general guidelines to get an idea of what to expect.
Game Designer
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game designer at EA is $92,000 per year, with bonuses and commissions potentially adding another $18,000 to their total compensation package.
Game Programmer
Similarly, game programmers at EA can earn an average of $107,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding up to $23,000.
Game Artist
Game artists, meanwhile, can expect to make an average salary of $84,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $16,000 to their compensation package.
Mid-Level Game Developer Salaries
Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, you can expect to move up the ranks and earn more money as a game developer at EA. Here are some salary ranges for mid-level positions:
- Senior Game Designer: $120,000 – $200,000 per year (with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $30,000 to $50,000)
- Senior Programmer: $140,000 – $250,000 per year (with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $40,000 to $70,000)
- Senior Game Artist: $90,000 – $180,000 per year (with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $20,000 to $50,000)
Executive Salaries
At the top of the game development food chain at EA are the executives who oversee the creation of the company’s flagship games. These individuals typically hold positions like Chief Game Design Officer (CGDO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Chief Game Design Officer (CGDO)
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a CGDO at EA is $250,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding up to $75,000 to their total compensation package.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Similarly, a CTO can expect to make an average of $275,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $75,000 to their compensation package.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
A COO at EA can earn an average salary of $230,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding up to $60,000 to their total compensation package.
Factors That Influence Game Developer Salaries
There are several factors that can influence a game developer’s salary at EA:
- Location
- Experience level
- Specific skill set
- Company performance
- Industry demand
Real-Life Examples of Game Developer Salaries
To get a better understanding of what game developers at EA can expect to make, let’s look at some real-life examples:
- In 2017, it was reported that the lead game designer for FIFA 18, David Rutter, earned a salary of $4 million per year. This is certainly an outlier, but it does give us an idea of the potential earnings for high-level game designers at EA.
- In 2016, it was reported that the chief technology officer of EA, Richard Garriott, earned a salary of $3 million per year. This is also a high figure, but it does give us an idea of the earning potential for executives at the company.
- According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game designer at EA is $92,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $18,000 to their total compensation package. This is based on data from over 300 current and former EA employees.
- Similarly, the average base salary for a game programmer at EA is $120,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding another $40,000 to their total compensation package. This is based on data from over 150 current and former EA employees.
Conclusion
Game developers at EA can earn significant salaries, depending on their experience level, specific skill set, location, and the overall financial performance of the company. While there are certainly outliers like David Rutter and Richard Garriott, most game developers at EA can expect to make between $90,000 and $250,000 per year, with potential bonuses and commissions adding another 30% to 70% of their base salary.
