RE: [Algorithms] Game Developer Salary

[Scott, J. <JS...@ra...>]

As an aside, if you want someone to stay loyal to your company, get a non US
citizen. Brits are pretty good as they speak almost the same language. An
employee under a visa is not going to move for anything less than a factor
of 2 salary increase (or extreme unhappiness) because it is such a pain to
get or renew a visa. They are also tied to the company, if you sack them,
they have to return back to their country of origin.

Cheers
John 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gavan Hood [mailto:gh...@si...]

I would have to agree with you Scott, I have noticed that my salary in the
US is higher than that quoted for Game companies, and we have the same level
of complexity and challenges. I have also noticed varied reasons for low
salaries, outside the Game industry it is often due to people that see quick
one off apps made in RAD languages (VB etc) as being more bang for buck even
though they spend hours trying to finish and fine the app which is where
they would reaped huge benifits if they used a talented guy and a flexible
language such as C /C++.

In the Game Industry I have witnessed an attitude that IT companies also
posses being, we are a cool company, our product is cool the best will
sacrafice salary just be associated with us, sure that might work for a
short period with a few people trying to upgrade thier skills but
experienced guys just dodge them for obvious reasons.

I wish I knew a solution, but I usually end up just steering clear of those
who will not pay, hoping that one day I will find a couple of other
experiences guys (10+ years expertise...) and make our own product, I think
lots of people have that hope :-)

Gavan