Salary Range for Game Developers in 2017:
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game developer in the United States is $84,935 per year. However, this average can vary significantly depending on several factors such as experience level, location, and specific job responsibilities.
For example, entry-level game developers can expect to earn around $60,000 per year, while experienced game developers with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $120,000 per year.
Location also plays a crucial role in determining the salary for game developers. Game developers working in San Francisco, California can expect to earn an average of $107,589 per year, while those in Austin, Texas can earn around $93,122 per year.
Factors Affecting Salary of Game Developers:
Experience level is one of the most significant factors affecting the salary of game developers. As mentioned earlier, entry-level game developers can expect to earn around $60,000 per year, while experienced game developers with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $120,000 per year.
Location is another important factor that affects the salary of game developers. Game developers working in major cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles can expect to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities.
Job responsibilities also play a crucial role in determining the salary of game developers. For example, game designers who specialize in creating complex and immersive games can earn more than game programmers who focus on coding.
In addition to these factors, game developers who work on popular and successful games can also expect to earn higher salaries. For instance, game developers who worked on the popular game Fortnite can expect to earn significantly more than those who worked on less successful games.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Game Developer:
If you want to increase your earning potential as a game developer, there are several things you can do. Firstly, gain experience by working on various projects and developing new skills. This will not only help you improve your skills but also make you more valuable to potential employers.
Secondly, network with other game developers in your field and attend industry events such as Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). This will help you connect with potential employers and gain exposure to the latest trends and developments in the gaming industry.
Thirdly, stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and software used in game development. This will not only make you more valuable to potential employers but also help you create better games.
Lastly, consider specializing in a particular area of game development such as game design, programming, or art. This will make you more valuable to potential employers and increase your earning potential.
Case Study: Fortnite’s Successful Launch
Fortnite is a popular battle royale game that was developed by Epic Games. The game was launched in 2017 and quickly gained popularity among gamers worldwide. According to reports, the game generated over $3 billion in revenue within its first year of launch.
The success of Fortnite has also led to an increase in demand for game developers who worked on the game. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game developer at Epic Games is around $109,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for game developers in the United States. Game developers who worked on Fortnite can expect to earn more than the average salary due to the success and popularity of the game.
Summary:
In conclusion, the question of how much do game developers make in 2017 is a complex one that depends on several factors such as experience level, location, and job responsibilities. Based on Glassdoor’s average salary, we can expect game developers to earn around $84,935 per year in the United States. To increase your earning potential as a game developer, gain experience, network with other professionals in the field, stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and software, and specialize in a particular area of game development.
