What do you do if you're a mid-career game developer seeking salary increases and promotions?

Focusing on a niche like AI or VR helps you stand out. But before moving forward, it’s important to clear your fundamentals. Working on real projects is a great way to grow your skills.

Identify areas where you’ve added significant value, such as successful projects, leadership roles, or technical expertise. Research industry salary benchmarks to understand your market value. Then, prepare a case for your raise or promotion, highlighting how your contributions have benefited the company. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your career goals, emphasizing your desire for growth and how it aligns with the company's objectives. Be open to feedback and identify specific goals or milestones that will support your case for advancement.

To seek salary increases and promotions as a mid-career game developer, focus on honing advanced skills that set you apart—whether it's mastering a new engine or becoming an expert in AI. Demonstrate your impact by showcasing successful projects, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Skill mastery not only boosts your value but also gives you the leverage needed when negotiating for raises or higher roles.

As you advance in your career, it's crucial to hone your expertise. Focus on excelling in your core competencies while staying updated on new tools, techniques, and trends in game development. Mastery makes you indispensable and opens doors to higher-level roles.

Building relationships with industry peers can open up unseen opportunities. Attend game dev conferences, join online communities, and engage with fellow professionals. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about who knows your work and respects your contributions.

Showcasing your work on platforms like GitHub or Behance can attract attention from potential collaborators and employers. Regularly engage with your network through social media and personal communications, sharing updates and celebrating others’ achievements.

Your personal brand speaks volumes. Showcase your achievements, projects, and insights on platforms like LinkedIn or GitHub. By consistently sharing your work and ideas, you position yourself as a thought leader, which can lead to better opportunities and higher compensation.

Building a strong personal brand is key to securing promotions and salary increases. Showcase your expertise through an updated portfolio, social media presence, and industry talks or blogs. Let your work speak for itself—highlight your unique style, problem-solving abilities, and contributions to successful projects. A solid personal brand establishes your reputation, making it easier to stand out and negotiate for what you deserve.

Sometimes, growth means moving to a new company. Look for roles at studios that are at the forefront of innovation or offer growth pathways. Don’t be afraid to make bold career shifts if they align with your long-term goals.

Mastering negotiation tactics is crucial for securing better salary and promotion opportunities. Research industry standards to understand your market value and back up your requests with data and achievements. Timing matters—choose moments when you've just completed a major project or made a big impact. Stay confident, but flexible, and be prepared to discuss perks beyond salary, like additional responsibilities, learning opportunities, or work-life balance. The key is to present your case as a win-win for both you and the company.

Continuous learning is essential in game development. Identify the next big trends—whether it’s AR, VR, AI, or new engines—and develop skills in those areas. Upskilling keeps you competitive and may justify a salary increase or promotion.