Game-Art - Does it pay good?

[MrDev]

You can make infinitely more in advertising as long as you stick to it. I've seen 5th year pros making 100k+ yearly

[Craig Lewis]

To sum up an answer to the initial question. The pay's alright.

Inhouse work, you might not get paid as much as you could get freelancing, however, your income is is more reliable.

As for the discussion about 'not being in the industry to make money'. I don't get up at 6.45 in the morning because I enjoy it. I do it for the money. I just prefer doing this for money than any other job

[germball]

I agree, the pay is actually pretty good, but you wouldn't perhaps earn more money being freelance or a contractor. Many people think that by being a contractor, you can earn more money, but this is not the case.

Many studios now instead of having lots of guys on payroll, use contractors at peak times when they need more staff. They normally use the standard rate and pay on a pro-rata basis.

[Talon]

Originally Posted by glynnsmith

It's slightly hypocritical that you're trying to say you're not bothered about making money, with the effort you've put into it - and I know you put a lot of effort into your work, game artist community.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be doing it there was no money in it (unless it was a mod or a game that I really felt I had to be part of).

But there's a line between getting paid for doing something you want to do and doing something you don't want to do for pay. I mean, if i wanted the latter, I'd have become an accountant and got paid loads more.

And yeah Ben, in 20 years, I'll be able to go back and laugh at this statement, but luckily I'm young and unchained enough just now to believe that and go with it :P

The EA thing was just the fact that a heavy chunk of their games are franchise stuff with the same generic mechanics again and again. They're getting much better, recently, though. They're just a good example of that sort of thing - plenty more big publishers out there that do the same.

[Shadow71]

Honestly, it's very simple...if you are really good...you will eventually start making big bucks...but that is any industry.

[glynnsmith]

Originally Posted by Talon

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be doing it there was no money in it (unless it was a mod or a game that I really felt I had to be part of).

But there's a line between getting paid for doing something you want to do and doing something you don't want to do for pay. I mean, if i wanted the latter, I'd have become an accountant and got paid loads more.

And yeah Ben, in 20 years, I'll be able to go back and laugh at this statement, but luckily I'm young and unchained enough just now to believe that and go with it :P

The EA thing was just the fact that a heavy chunk of their games are franchise stuff with the same generic mechanics again and again. They're getting much better, recently, though. They're just a good example of that sort of thing - plenty more big publishers out there that do the same.

I think Skate's the only game I remember from EA in the last 2 years :P Even that got a bit boring.

I understand your point. There are various companies that seem to work less like art houses and more like factories. You might as well work in a factory - atleast we'd get some excercise!

[Rick Stirling]

It all depends on the company, their cashflow, your talent and experience, and the state of the market.

I'm well paid in my current role.