What do you do if your game design salary isn't meeting your expectations?

3 Find alternative income

Another option to increase your income as a game designer is to find alternative sources of income outside your main job. For example, you can freelance, consult, or teach game design skills to other clients or students. You can also create and sell your own games, assets, or courses on online platforms or marketplaces. However, you need to be careful not to violate any contracts, agreements, or policies with your employer, and to manage your time, energy, and resources wisely.

4 Switch to a new job

If you are unhappy with your salary and your work situation, and you cannot negotiate a raise or find alternative income, you might consider switching to a new job. This can be a challenging but rewarding decision, as it can open up new opportunities, challenges, and experiences for you as a game designer. However, you need to do some research, networking, and planning before you make the move. You need to update your resume, portfolio, and online presence, and showcase your game design skills, projects, and achievements. You also need to explore and apply for game design jobs that match your interests, goals, and expectations.

5 Upgrade your skills

Whether you decide to stay in your current job, negotiate a raise, find alternative income, or switch to a new job, you can always benefit from upgrading your game design skills. Game design is a dynamic and evolving field, and you need to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and techniques. You can improve your game design skills by taking online courses, reading books and blogs, watching videos and podcasts, joining communities and events, and working on personal or collaborative projects. By upgrading your skills, you can increase your value, credibility, and confidence as a game designer.

6 Be assertive and confident

Finally, one of the most important things you can do if your game design salary is not meeting your expectations is to be assertive and confident. You need to recognize and communicate your worth, skills, and achievements as a game designer, and not settle for less than you deserve. You also need to be proactive and seek feedback, guidance, and support from your peers, mentors, and leaders, and learn from your mistakes and failures. By being assertive and confident, you can overcome your fears, doubts, and challenges, and achieve your game design career goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?