How Much Do Freelance Game Writers Make?

The question of how much freelance game writers make is complex, with answers varying based on experience, project scope, and client. However, we can paint a clear picture. Freelance video game writers in the United States earn an average of $29.32 per hour, according to recent data. However, this is just the average. Hourly rates for freelancers fluctuate significantly. Some experienced writers command rates as high as $66.35 per hour, while beginners may start as low as $13.70 per hour. The majority of freelance video game writer hourly wages range between $28.85 (25th percentile) and $46.15 (75th percentile).

When looking at salaried positions, a Video Game Writer in the United States averages $77,467 annually, with the salary range typically falling between $71,006 and $85,162. While this isn’t strictly freelance income, it gives us a valuable reference point to understand what value the industry places on game writing skills. The key takeaway? Your earning potential as a freelance game writer is strongly connected to the skills you bring and the clients you secure.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Pay

Several factors influence the hourly rate and overall earnings of freelance game writers:

• Experience: Seasoned writers with a strong portfolio of successful projects naturally command higher rates than those just starting out. A history of delivering high-quality, engaging content is invaluable.
• Project Complexity: The scope and complexity of a project heavily impact pay. Writing a short piece of dialogue is priced differently than crafting an entire branching narrative.
• Client Budget: AAA game studios usually have larger budgets than indie developers, which translates to differing pay scales for writers.
• Writing Specialization: Writers with niche expertise like writing specific genres (e.g., fantasy, sci-fi) or in certain styles (e.g., humorous, dramatic) may have an advantage in negotiating better rates.
• Skill Set: Game writers who can also integrate gameplay design into their writing, work with interactive narrative tools, or understand game mechanics have a higher earning capacity.
• Rate Structure: Freelance writers can be paid hourly, by the word, by the project, or sometimes with royalty arrangements. Each structure yields different overall pay based on the project.

Setting Your Rates as a Freelancer

New freelance game writers need to be strategic in setting their rates. It is a balancing act between attracting work and ensuring you are fairly compensated.

• Per-Word Rates: Beginning freelance writers should aim for $0.05 to $0.20 per word, and while many beginner writers start at $0.01 to $0.04 per word, it’s recommended that you don’t undervalue your work.
• Project-Based Rates: For full projects, it is essential to factor in project complexity, research needed, and required revision rounds.
• Hourly Rates: An average range of $28.85 to $46.15 an hour is where the majority of video game writers’ salaries lie. Experienced writers can negotiate for much more.

How to Maximize Your Freelance Income

Maximizing your freelance income as a game writer requires more than just good writing skills. It requires strategic planning and proactive self-management:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a diverse portfolio of well-written samples showcasing your skills in various genres and formats.
• Network: Actively participate in online communities, attend industry events, and reach out to potential clients.
• Specialize: Focus on a niche within game writing to establish yourself as an expert and justify higher rates.
• Learn New Skills: Acquire additional game development skills, like game design or narrative design, to become a more versatile and valuable asset.
• Negotiate Effectively: Don’t be afraid to advocate for fair pay that reflects your experience and skill level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Game Writers in Demand?

Yes! The gaming industry is booming, leading to an increased demand for skilled game writers. The industry’s growth creates numerous job opportunities and the potential for high salaries. The demand for Video Game Designers is expected to grow and fill 32,090 new jobs by 2029.

2. How Do I Become a Freelance Game Writer?

Building a career as a freelance game writer involves creating a strong portfolio, a proven history of well-received work, often starting with small projects to build a reputation, as well as creating a network with other writers, developers, and game companies.

3. What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Game Writer?

Most game writers have prior knowledge of the industry. While a degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field is useful, there are multiple paths. You may want to take courses in interactive storytelling, scenario scripting, or even game design and coding.

4. Do Game Writers Need a Degree?

Not always, but many companies prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field. This isn’t always a must-have; self-taught writers can also succeed by showcasing their writing ability.

5. What Skills Do I Need as a Game Writer?

Key skills for game writing include strong creative writing skills, understanding of narrative structure and character development, ability to write compelling dialogue, and adaptability to different game genres. An understanding of game mechanics is also beneficial.

6. What is the Job Outlook for a Video Game Writer?

The job outlook for Video Game Designers has been positive since 2019, with vacancies increasing by 5.31% nationwide. This upward trend demonstrates the consistent demand for writers within the industry.

7. Do Game Writers Get Royalties?

Some game writers may receive royalties, especially if they hold a share in the intellectual property of the game, such as character designs or a substantial portion of the game’s narrative.

8. How Much do Beginner Freelance Writers Make?

Beginner freelance writers might make $0.01 to $0.04 per word, but it is recommended they charge $0.05 to $0.20 per word to ensure they’re being paid fairly.

9. What is the Average Age of a Video Game Writer?

While the average age of a video game designer is between 30-40 years old, many come from backgrounds in computer science, graphic design, psychology, or fine arts. The median age of game developers overall is 32 years old.

10. How Do You Break Into Video Game Writing?

Breaking into the industry involves building a portfolio, showcasing your skills through writing samples, publishing short stories, networking with professionals, and considering freelance work to gain experience.

11. How Much Does IGN Pay Freelancers?

The estimated total pay for a Freelancer at IGN Entertainment is $37 per hour. This number is a median of the ranges collected from their proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on user-submitted data.

12. What is the Life of a Game Writer Like?

Game writers create storylines, develop characters, craft dialogue, and write backstory details for games. They work collaboratively with other game development teams to make sure all aspects of the game align.

13. Can I Make a Living Off Freelance Writing?

Yes, many successful freelance writers do make a full-time living by writing. However, it takes time, effort, and marketing to establish yourself to a place where you’re making enough to sustain yourself.

14. What Are the Most Profitable Freelance Writing Niches?

While game writing has its own lucrative aspects, other profitable writing niches include SEO content, Software as a Service (SaaS), finance, cryptocurrency, mental health, wellness, and elearning.

15. How Can I Maximize My Earnings as a Freelance Game Writer?

Maximizing your earnings requires that you build a high quality portfolio, network effectively, specialize in a niche, learn new skills, and always be willing to negotiate for rates that reflect your hard work.

Conclusion

Freelance game writing can be a rewarding career, with significant income potential. The earnings you make are dependent on many factors, but by understanding industry standards, developing your skills, and diligently building your network, you can maximize your income and establish a successful career as a freelance game writer. Remember to build your portfolio, continue to learn, and constantly work to improve.