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Overview

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What is a video game developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a video game developer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $44.1 an hour? That's $91,722 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 21% and produce 284,100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreVideo Game DeveloperUS Average
Salary
7.2

Avg. Salary $91,722

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.5

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 23.66%

male 76.34%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a video game developer

  1. Explore video game developer education requirements

    Most common video game developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.7 %

    Master's

    10.8 %

    Associate

    10.8 %

  2. Start to develop specific video game developer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Video Content48.43%
    Animation30.02%
    C++7.93%
    Windows4.00%
    Game Engine3.41%
    Show more

  3. Research video game developer duties and responsibilities

    • Conduct market research, develop partnerships, manage financial administration, and negotiate IP licensing.
    • Realize terrain, architectural scene, shadows , 3d sound effects, skeletal animation.
    • Develop visual content for the internal Google and YouTube usage.
    • Design and build levels for various action and RPG video games

  4. Apply for video game developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a video game developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first video game developer job

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Average video game developer salary

The average video game developer salary in the United States is $91,722 per year or $44 per hour. Video game developer salaries range between $61,000 and $136,000 per year.

Average video game developer salary
$91,722 Yearly
$44.10 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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