Vietnam’s high demand for game designers promises new graduates competitive salaries

According to Newzoo, a global market research company for electronic games, there are currently about 3 billion gamers worldwide, with a projected increase to 4.5 billion by 2030. The market is expected to reach a revenue of $218.7 billion this year.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Information and Communications aims to have around 100-150 game publishing companies within the next five years, with the market reaching a scale of $1 billion and an additional 400 startup projects.

Industry experts estimate that if this scale is achieved, the demand for human resources will reach 25,000 people, including full-time, part-time, and freelance workers.

Cao Minh Thang, deputy head of the Institute of Information Technology and Communication under the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), stated that according to a survey, there are currently about 800 job postings for game personnel on recruitment websites from 45 domestic companies. Among these, 50% of positions are for development specialists, and 30% for design.

For the past two years, PTIT has been researching the Game Design and Development program under the Multimedia Technology field, with support from government agencies and businesses. The program started enrolling 200 students this academic year starting September.

Previously, two international universities, RMIT and British University Vietnam (BUV), had game design programs. Therefore, PTIT is considered the first Vietnamese university to train in this field.

PTIT’s program is based on surveys of recruitment requirements from businesses and references to programs from many universities worldwide, such as New York University, Southern California University, and Digipen Institute of Technology in the U.S.

Students will explore an overview of the game industry, design principles, and interdisciplinary knowledge of psychology, economics, law, and marketing. Additionally, students will gain expertise to build game scripts, retain players, generate revenue, and provide services on various platforms.

They will also be equipped with knowledge and skills in computer science, multimedia technology, and information security.

The program includes real-world projects at enterprises from the second year and opportunities to study and work in countries with developed game industries like Japan and South Korea.

The Game Design and Development program, under the Multimedia Technology major, spans eight semesters with 135 credits.

The tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year at the PTIT is approximately VND27-34 million for regular programs, including Game Design and Development.

Graduates are oriented towards roles as game script designers (Game Designer) or development specialists (Game Developer) at companies, studios, and game development and distribution companies both domestically and internationally, such as VTC Game, VNG, and Game Loft.

However, students are also well-equipped to take on roles such as game tester, game technical operator, software developer, software tester, or government management specialists in broadcasting, electronic information, and information technology at ministries, sectors, and localities.

Additionally, students can start their own businesses, become researchers, or lecturers in game design and development at institutes, centers, and training institutions.

PTIT has surveyed the job market and income of students in the Multimedia Technology major currently working in the game industry.

The survey results show that salaries one-two years after graduation is around VND10-20 million per month, and many earn up to three times more after a few years.

For candidates with creativity and entrepreneurial skills, the income can be significantly higher.