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The differences between game engineers and software systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a game engineer and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $104,976 average annual salary of a game engineer.
The top three skills for a game engineer include unity, python and game engine. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Game Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,976 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $50.47 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 242,571 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The main task of a game engineer is to design software programs for computer games. Game engineers develop gaming networks and programs for third-party-usage. They create the mechanics of the games, which are coordinated with a story. Also called specialized software engineers, they create coding sequences for gameplay. They may need to establish various codes for gaming devices. The skills they need include knowledge of gaming trends, teamwork skills, programming language proficiency, and creativity.
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Game engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Game Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,976 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $152,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a game engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Game Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between game engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Game Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 31.3% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |