The video game industry has seen significant growth over the last decade, with an estimated two billion gamers around the globe as of 2020. That number is expected to increase, with the industry’s total worth projected to reach $268 billion by 2025. Reasons for the growth include new games attracting new players, resulting in an increase in the number of new job opportunities it creates to support the consumer demand for new games.

One of the major new technologies spurring game growth is the third evolution of the world wide web, referred to as Web 3.0. New technologies and job opportunities include virtual and augmented realities, artificial intelligence, and adaptive gaming applications. To help understand how advancing technologies are creating new jobs in video gaming, here is a list of the most in-demand video game jobs for 2023:

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Engineers
The demand for VR engineers has increased more than 15 times over the last decade and is expected to continue to increase as Web 3.0 expands its reach. The position of AR/VR engineer is a highly skilled technical job, and applicants must be fluent in C++, C#, Swift, server programming, interactive 3D technologies, Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender, Autodesk, and Maya, as well as be familiar with UX design. Video game recruiting companies report the average salary of an AR engineer is $114,000 per year.

Game Designer
Game designers work on creating everything from the game’s central concept to character development. Once the basics have been established, the game is turned over to developers who bring the game to life. Game designers must have vivid imaginations and be great storytellers in order to create captivating details and promote character development that makes for an exciting game. The average salary of a game designer is approximately $111,000 per year.

3D Artist
3D artists are responsible for all two- and three-dimensional artistic elements. These include props and characters as well as backgrounds and color schemes. 3D artists collaborate with programmers, engineers, and developers to bring the game’s concepts to life and make the game playable. The average salary of a 3D artist is approximately $120,000 annually.

Programmer
While every successful video game is a collaborative effort between various positions and departments, no video game would ever make it to market if it weren’t for the programmer’s efforts. Video game programmers are software developers that build games using various coding languages, including C#, C++, Java, Python, Lua, Swift, and others. Video game programmers must have a grasp on a variety of coding languages so they can take ideas from designers and artists and turn them into readable coded instructions. Programmers are also responsible for fixing bugs and glitches found by gameplay testers. Companies involved in video game recruiting report the average salary for a video game programmer is approximately $140,000 per year.

Gameplay Engineer
Gameplay Engineers are responsible for developing the game logic used in creating the instructions given to the computer directing it on how it should perform. An example is the instructions for what happens when a player performs a particular input, such as what direction a character will move when the spacebar is pressed. Gameplay engineering extends beyond simple player input and includes when and how sound and animation are used and how an AI entity functions.

Gameplay Engineers must understand the limitations of languages and engines and know the best tools and/or algorithms to use for specific situations. Engineers work with the technical and creative teams to determine the direction of the game and how to move the project forward using current technology. Coders often use existing engines, such as Unreal Engine. Gameplay Engineers may be required to perform tasks outside of existing engines and optimize by fine-tuning existing code, fixing bugs, and testing the final product.

• User Interface Engineer
User interface coders work to create a user interface that will make visual sense to gamers. UI engineers must have a critical eye for design to transform artifacts into attractive and functionally intuitive user interfaces. User interface coders must have proven UI experience with proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Photoshop, Illustrator, and OmniGraffle. Excellent visual design skills with solid experience in storyboards, user flows and creating wireframes and site maps are also needed. The average annual pay for a User Interface Engineer is approximately $120,000 a year.

• Audio/Sound Design
Sound is an often overlooked aspect of video game production. However, even the simplest games would seem static and boring without sound effects. Sound Designers may need to develop tools for the game designers to ensure the game will sound as good as it looks. Gaming sounds include everything from background music to character dialogue and may also include ambient noise and special effect sounds used in auto race and warfare games that aid in providing a highly immersive experience, especially in VR games. The average salary for a sound coder is $100,000 per year.

Game Tester/QA
While there are millions of skilled gamers all over the world, being a professional video game tester requires a specific skill set. The game tester is responsible for testing every aspect of a new game. Gameplay testers must have knowledge of the gaming industry, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and a thorough understanding of quality assurance procedures. While the game tester role is one of the best opportunities for remote video game jobs, working alone much of the time, the tester must develop solid working relationships with programmers and designers to communicate issues effectively. The average gameplay tester’s annual salary is $60,000 per year.

This is an overview of the most in-demand video game jobs for 2023 and the major skills required to perform the positions. Because video game recruiting is constantly evolving, job seekers will have the best chances of landing a coveted job by working with a video game recruiter. DAM, Inc. is one of the top recruiting firms for gamers in the U.S., and they work with dozens of video game studios across the country. DAM maintains an engaged candidate network of job seekers so that they can quickly provide the studios with high-quality candidates as needed. As a top-level video game recruiting company, DAM encourages all video game job seekers to submit a resume to be added to their database. Note there is never a charge to job seekers as the employers pay DAM’s fees.