Dream job, really? What working in the French video game industry really pays in 2025.

Working in the video game industry may sound like a dream, but in France in 2025, it doesn’t necessarily come with a big paycheck. Between official market data and the more critical insights from the Video Game Workers Union (STJV), the picture is more nuanced—many professionals struggle to earn above minimum wage, even after several years of experience.

As the French video game sector navigates a more cautious landscape—with tightened budgets and increased pressure on profitability—job opportunities remain plentiful for qualified professionals, especially in technical and production roles. The industry is still driven by ambitious projects, a strong demand for specialized skills, and a studio ecosystem that, despite uncertainties, continues to attract new talent. But amid this shifting environment, one question remains top of mind for new graduates and career changers alike: how much do people really earn in the French game industry in 2025?

Image credit: Les Aventures Ludiques

Pay scales vary widely by profession

Unlike most generic overviews, this snapshot is exclusively based on salaries in France. Figures come from public sources like Gaming Campus and the STJV barometer, which directly surveys employees and freelancers in the French video game sector.

The average monthly net salary is €2,777. But depending on the role and years of experience, discrepancies emerge:

Median monthly net salary by job and experience level, according to the STJV barometer

At first glance, some salaries may seem respectable. But let’s not forget that in 2025, the net minimum wage is about €1,400 per month. For entry-level roles in game or UI design, median pay barely clears this threshold. As shown in the table above, most junior roles start below €2,000 net per month, with slow progression over the first decade of a career.

There are, of course, some more fortunate professionals in the industry. The best-paid roles are typically held by senior staff in leadership or highly specialized positions:

• Marketing Director: €5,850 net/month
• Technical Director: €5,200 net/month
• Game Director: €4,855 net/month
• Executive Producer: €4,524 net/month
• Lead Programmer: €3,552 net/month
• Development Manager: €3,478 net/month

These positions usually require a long career across multiple studios and remain relatively rare in an industry still grappling with job insecurity.

What training does the industry expect?

According to the STJV barometer, over 61% of industry professionals hold a master’s degree (Bac+5). This path can be costly: a full program at a private game school averages over €25,000. To ease the financial burden, many schools now offer foundation years starting right after high school, such as the digital art prep program, which helps students build a foundation before choosing a specialization. Still, nearly half of all students take out a loan, typically repaid over 4 to 6 years. In more detail:

• Half of all professionals entered the industry through a private game-focused school.
• The most common specializations include animation, development, and game design.
• Yet even with this demanding training, 17.3% of graduates take more than a year to land their first industry job.

What about adjacent roles in gaming?

While most attention goes to developers or technical artists, many jobs surrounding the gaming industry pay significantly less. Take game testers, for instance—their median net salary barely exceeds €1,404 per month. It’s a role often viewed as a stepping stone, yet still undervalued despite its importance in the production cycle.

For specialty retail workers or video game journalists, the picture isn’t much brighter: average pay hovers around €1,560 net per month. Physical stores continue to decline in the face of digital sales, and editorial teams are increasingly unable to offer sustainable wages to writers.

Meanwhile, new roles like streamer or esports coach are gaining popularity among younger generations, though few make a stable living. Their income is largely reliant on sponsorships, donations, or advertising platforms.

Yet some career paths continue to inspire. Take Minh Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, who went from amateur modder to respected industry figure. Or Matthew Haag, aka Nadeshot, a former professional Call of Duty player turned visionary entrepreneur with the team 100 Thieves. These paths may be rare, but they show how passion and persistence can make all the difference.

And abroad? Major differences

International salaries vary significantly depending on the country, studio, and specialization. In the United States, a developer can earn over $5,000 net per month, while senior roles can approach $10,000. At major studios like Rockstar Games, where production budgets rival those of Hollywood films, experienced developers can command very high salaries.

In Eastern Europe, studios like CD Projekt Red, based in Poland, tend to offer lower pay than their Western counterparts. However, the cost of living is also lower, which offsets the gap somewhat. The prestige of working on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher IV continues to attract international talent. Speaking of The Witcher IV, it’s hard not to mention the jaw-dropping visuals in its latest trailer. CD Projekt Red once again proves its mastery of epic, immersive storytelling—and reminds us why so many developers dream of joining their ranks, even far from Silicon Valley.

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Par Alexandre Kor

Editor-in-Chief

Alexandre Kor fell in love with video games playing the original Mario Bros on NES—and that passion never left. As Editor-in-Chief, he ensures the site’s editorial quality, offering all readers an enriching and enjoyable experience.