Salary of a Game Developer in India: Based on Location, Job Position, & More
The online gaming industry in India is valued around $3 billion. It is expected to grow to approximately $9 billion by 2030. Over the years, three gaming unicorns have emerged in India, namely, Mobile Premier League, Game 24X7, and Dream11. The expansion of the gaming industry has led to a surge in demand for skilled game developers who are proficient in programming languages. Game developers are responsible for designing, programming, and testing games across various platforms. They create visually stunning and engaging games that offer high levels of user engagement. In this blog, we will explore the salary of a game developer in India, considering factors such as experience, skills, location, and job position.
Average Salary of a Game Developer in India
Game development is a growing field fueled by the rise of mobile gaming, AR/VR technologies, and global demand for captivating interactive content. In India, the average salary of a game developer is ₹4.7 LPA, while the maximum average compensation is ₹9.6 LPA. The salary trends depend on other factors, such as skills, years of experience and the candidate’s qualifications. While the lower-end salaries typically belong to entry-level positions, experienced HR professionals, or those working in multinational companies, can earn significantly more. In this section, we will look at various factors that affect the salary of game developers.
Game Developer Job Salary Based on Experience
Experience is one of the most significant factors affecting a game developer’s income in India. When working as entry-level employees, freshers get a decent salary package. For instance, game developer salaries in India for freshers is approximately ₹3.3 LPA. As they grow and have more experience, their salaries increase. Once they get more used to industry norms and the technology used in the game development process, they are able to substantially raise their pay in the experience band of 1-4 years.
Senior developers at large studios also earn substantial wages, especially if they have five years or more of expertise. These experts are employed based on their unique qualifications in leadership, management, and game mechanics.
The average salary of a game developer based on experience level is given below:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
| Entry Level (0-1 year) | ₹3.3 LPA – ₹5 LPA |
| Early Career (1-4 years) | ₹4 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
| Mid Career (5-9 years) | ₹8 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
| Senior Level (10+ years) | ₹15 LPA – ₹25 LPA+ |
Game Developer Salary Based on Skills
Being proficient in well-known game technologies, such as Unity and Unreal Engine can significantly impact the salary of a game developer in India. This is because many game projects are dependent on these platforms, and large corporations are eager to hire developers who have in-depth knowledge of the systems at hand.
Programmers with proficiency in C++ and C# as well as those with knowledge of artificial intelligence, physics, and multiplayer systems are in great demand. When working on challenging game features, these abilities offer value to a developer’s skill set and increase their value to businesses seeking innovative solutions for game development.
Here is a table showing the average payscale of a game developer in India based on their skills:
| Skillset | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
|---|---|
| C++ Programming | ₹4 LPA – ₹10 LPA |
| Unity Game Engine | ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA |
| Unreal Engine | ₹6 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
| Game Design | ₹4.5 LPA – ₹11 LPA |
| 3D Animation and Graphics | ₹4 LPA – ₹9 LPA |
Game Developer Salary Based on Job Position (Junior, Senior, & Lead Developer)
Job position is another important factor that influences the salary package of a game developer. Junior developers and game testers begin with modest salaries. As developers move to mid-level positions, where technical innovation is required, their salaries increase to a moderate range.
Senior positions, such as lead developer or technical director, which involve managing entire projects or teams, command much higher salaries. These roles require advanced expertise, which makes them among the highest-paying jobs in the gaming industry.
Here is a table showing the average salary range of a game developer in India based on their job position in the company:
| Job Position | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
| Junior Game Developer | ₹3.3 LPA – ₹4 LPA |
| Senior Game Developer | ₹8 LPA – ₹12 LPA |
| Lead Developer | ₹12 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
Game Developer Salary Based on Location
Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are hubs for technology and gaming companies and offer higher salaries. For example, a game developer in Bangalore can expect to earn 10-20% more than their counterparts in smaller cities.
Let us look at the average salary of a game developer in India in various locations:
| Location | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
| Bengaluru | ₹7 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹6 LPA – ₹7 LPA |
| Pune | ₹5 LPA – ₹6 LPA |
| Mumbai | ₹5 LPA – ₹7 LPA |
| Jaipur | ₹3 LPA – ₹4 LPA |
| Bhopal | ₹3 LPA – ₹4 LPA |
| Delhi | ₹4 LPA – ₹10 LPA |
Top Companies Hiring Game Developers in India
In the last decade, India has seen growing development in gaming and has emerged as a key player in the global gaming industry. Since the industry has shifted from producing AAA games to innovative mobile games, both Indian studios and international businesses operating in the area are searching for top talent in game creation. Following are the top companies hiring for game development jobs in India:
- Ubisoft India Studios: It is renowned for iconic franchises like Prince of Persia and Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft’s India studio is a leading employer in AAA game development. Its Pune and Mumbai studios are pivotal in the global game development pipeline.
- Electronic Arts (EA): There are two mobile studios in Hyderabad (Slingshot Games and PopCap Studios). EA is a key player in both mobile and console game development and has contributed to globally popular franchises like Battlefield and FIFA.
- Nazara Technologies: This homegrown leader in mobile gaming is famous for hit titles like the World Cricket Championship. Nazara’s focus on the Indian market makes it a critical driver of mobile game development.
- Dhruva Interactive: It is one of the oldest game development studios in India. Dhruva has made its mark through collaboration with major gaming giants and has shaped the growth of the industry.
- Moonfrog Labs: It specializes in social and casual mobile games. Moonfrog is known for creating highly engaging titles that resonate with the Indian gaming audience.
- 99Games: 99Games is based in Udupi and develops highly popular mobile and casual games, including Star Chef and Dhoom:3 The Game.
- Zynga: It is a global leader with a strong presence in India. Zynga’s Bangalore office contributes to well-known titles like FarmVille 3 and focuses on both social gaming and mobile game development.
- Junglee Games: It is known for its skill-based games and has carved a niche in mobile gaming with titles like Teen Patti and Rummy Stars.
- Octro: Another powerhouse in mobile gaming, Octro is known for developing culturally resonant games like Teen Patti and Tambola.
Let us look at the average salary of a game developer for various companies:
| Company Name | Average Salary Range (LPA) |
| Ubisoft India Studios | ₹3 LPA – ₹12 LPA |
| Dhruva Interactive | ₹3.5 LPA – ₹24 LPA |
| Junglee Games | ₹8 LPA – ₹22.5 LPA |
| 99Games | ₹4 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
| Zynga | ₹11.8 LPA – ₹19.8 LPA |
Conclusion
The salary of a game developer in India is influenced by various factors, such as experience, skills, location, and job position. The growth of the gaming industry in India is driven by the surge in mobile gaming and the increasing demand for high-quality interactive experiences. As a result, the earning potential for game developers is on the rise, particularly for those proficient in programming languages like C++ and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. Want to work in this fascinating industry? Check out our blog on how to become a game developer for a step-by-step guide on getting started.
FAQs
Answer: The average salary for a game developer in India is:
1. Entry-Level Game Developer Job: ₹3.3 LPA
2. Mid-Level Game Developer Job (1 – 4 years): ₹4.75 LPA
3. Experienced Game Developer Job (5-9 years): ₹8.6 LPA
Answer: The salary of a lead game developer in India ranges from ₹15 LPA to ₹25 LPA, depending on the company and experience.
Answer: With advancements in mobile gaming, e-sports, and VR/AR, the demand for skilled game developers has increased significantly. India’s gaming market is projected to reach a value of $9 billion, which reflects a growing sector with diverse opportunities. If you are passionate about creativity and technology, game development offers roles that allow you to explore both.
Answer: The highest-paid role in game development is typically a Technical Director. This position requires deep expertise in both game development and management. Other high-paying roles include Lead game developers and AI Programmers, who specialize in creating intelligent, interactive game elements.
