Game Designer Salary Guide 2025

Malaysia vs Global Markets

Game Designers are the storytellers and architects behind immersive digital worlds. From gameplay mechanics to level design and user engagement, they shape how players interact with games across platforms. As gaming continues to expand into mobile, AR/VR, and cloud-based ecosystems, demand for skilled designers is rising globally. 

Game Designers in 2025 earn USD 22,000–140,000+, depending on location and seniority. Malaysia offers high-value talent at 60–65% lower payroll costs than Western markets, making it ideal for offshore hiring.

This guide compares 2025 salary benchmarks across Malaysia, the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia, helping employers make smarter hiring and payroll decisions.

Game Designer Salary Breakdown by Country (2025)

Game Designers blend creativity, psychology, and technical know-how to build engaging player experiences. Their expertise spans narrative design, level balancing, monetization strategy, and cross-platform optimization. With gaming now a multi-billion-dollar industry, understanding regional salary trends is key to building cost-effective, high-performing design teams.

Also Read: Top 10 Software Outsourcing Companies in the Philippines

Malaysia

Malaysia’s game design talent is growing, with strong proficiency in Unity, Unreal Engine, and mobile-first design.

Market Insight: Malaysia offers affordable creative talent with global exposure and strong English proficiency.

United States

The U.S. remains the highest-paying market, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and Seattle.

Market Insight: High salaries are offset by steep living costs. Many studios outsource level design and prototyping.

Singapore

Singapore’s mobile gaming and gamification sectors are booming, creating strong demand for game designers.

Market Insight: Designers with UX, monetization, and mobile-first experience command premium packages.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s gaming market is expanding, especially in mobile and educational segments.

Market Insight: Designers gain exposure to compliance-heavy and multilingual game environments.

Australia

Australia offers strong pay and work-life balance, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

Market Insight: Designers with accessibility, narrative, and cross-platform experience are in high demand.

Also Read: Front-End Development Outsourcing: Pros and Cons

Comparing Game Designer Salaries Across Countries

Malaysia: High ROI Creative Talent

Game Designers in Malaysia earn between USD 22,000 and 35,000 annually, substantially lower than peers in Western markets. But affordability doesn’t mean compromise. Malaysia offers a growing pool of English-speaking professionals skilled in Unity, Unreal Engine, and mobile-first design. For global employers, this translates into up to 65% payroll savings and access to modern game development capabilities. Many companies choose Malaysia to build scalable creative teams without inflating budgets.

United States: Top Salaries with High Costs

In the U.S., Game Designers remain among the highest-paid globally, with senior professionals earning USD 130,000–140,000+ per year. Compensation often includes stock options, bonuses, and health benefits. However, high living costs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco make scaling local teams expensive. As a result, many studios retain creative leadership in-house while outsourcing level design and prototyping to offshore teams in Malaysia.

Singapore: Regional Gaming Hub with Competitive Pay

Singapore offers USD 66,000–117,000 annually for Game Designers, making it one of Asia’s most competitive markets. The city-state’s push toward gamified fintech, mobile gaming, and educational platforms has created strong demand for designers with UX, monetization, and cross-platform experience. While salaries are attractive, they can be challenging for companies building larger teams. A smart strategy is to base senior leadership in Singapore while scaling execution in Malaysia.

Hong Kong: Growing Demand in Mobile and EdTech

Game Designers in Hong Kong earn USD 41,000–62,000 per year, a moderate level compared to Singapore or the U.S. However, demand is rising due to the city’s mobile-first gaming culture and increasing investment in educational games. Designers here gain valuable experience in multilingual and compliance-heavy environments, which is a plus for global employers. Many companies use Hong Kong as a specialist hub while building larger teams offshore in Malaysia.

Australia: Balanced Pay and Lifestyle

In Australia, Game Designers earn USD 73,000–106,000+ annually, with strong demand in indie studios, government-funded projects, and mobile-first applications. Salaries are attractive, and the country offers a balanced work culture, making it a popular destination for senior roles. However, higher payroll costs mean many companies adopt a hybrid model, keeping strategic oversight in Australia while outsourcing execution to Malaysian teams.

Comparing Game Designer Salaries Across Countries in 2025

Why These Salaries Differ

Game Designer salaries vary widely across regions, and it’s not just about technical skills. Factors like cost of living, industry demand, specialization, and remote work trends all shape compensation. Let’s break down the key drivers.

Also Read: Malaysia: A Rising Hub for Offshore Front-End Development Talent

1. Cost of Living

Countries like the U.S., Singapore, and Australia offer high salaries, but they also come with steep living costs. In contrast, Malaysia’s lower cost of living allows designers to enjoy strong purchasing power even at modest salary levels.

Example:
A senior game designer in Melbourne may earn USD 105,000 annually, but with rent and expenses exceeding USD 3,000/month, much of that income is absorbed. Meanwhile, a mid-level designer in Kuala Lumpur earning USD 30,000 annually enjoys comparable lifestyle benefits thanks to lower housing and healthcare costs.

Tip for Employers:
Use location-adjusted salary frameworks to stay competitive while managing payroll budgets effectively.

2. Industry Demand

Game Designers are essential in industries that prioritize user engagement, storytelling, and monetization.

• Mobile Gaming & SaaS: Fast iteration cycles and monetization mechanics drive demand for Unity and UX-focused designers.
• Fintech & EdTech: Gamification and secure design frameworks are critical for user retention.
• Entertainment & AR/VR: Immersive storytelling and level design are central to player experience.

Example:
A game designer at a mobile gaming startup in Singapore may earn USD 115,000 due to the complexity of monetization and cross-platform design, while a peer in logistics earns closer to USD 80,000.

Tip for Employers:
Prioritize domain-specific experience when hiring for high-engagement or monetization-driven platforms.

3. Skill Specialization

Game Designer salaries are closely tied to creative depth and technical specialization. Designers with advanced skills in monetization, accessibility, and cross-platform optimization often earn 25–35% more than those focused on basic level design.

High-value skills include:

• Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine
• Monetization Strategy: In-app purchases, ad integration
• UX & Accessibility: WCAG compliance, intuitive UI flows
• Narrative Design: Branching storylines, player choice systems
• Tooling: GitHub, Jira, Figma, Playtest platforms

Example:
A designer in Penang with Unity and monetization expertise may earn MYR 150,000 (USD 33,000), while a peer focused on basic level scripting earns closer to MYR 100,000 (USD 22,000).

Tip for Employers:
Use skill-based compensation models to attract and retain top-tier talent while encouraging upskilling.

4. Remote Work & Global Hiring

Remote-first hiring has reshaped game design recruitment. Employers now focus on deliverables and player experience, not just location. This shift positions Malaysia as a prime destination for offshore creative teams.

Global Trends:

• Hybrid Teams: Creative leadership remains in high-cost markets; execution is outsourced to Malaysia.
• Offshore Hiring: Companies save 60–65% on payroll by hiring in Malaysia without sacrificing quality.

Example:
A U.K.-based gaming studio hired three game designers in Kuala Lumpur for the cost of one London-based hire. This enabled 24/7 level testing and reduced payroll costs by 62%.

Tip for Employers:
Partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire globally without navigating complex labor laws.

Also Read: Hiring Front-End Developer Teams in Malaysia

Why Outsource Game Design Roles to Malaysia?

Outsourcing Game Designers to Malaysia offers a rare blend of affordability, creative depth, and operational ease. With strong government support for digital industries and a growing pool of Unity- and Unreal-trained professionals, Malaysia is a strategic choice for global hiring.

Strategic Advantages of Outsourcing to Malaysia

1. Lower Payroll Costs Without Sacrificing Creativity

Hiring a Game Designer in Malaysia can cost 60–65% less than in the U.S. or Australia, while maintaining high creative standards.

Example:
A U.S.-based mobile gaming company hired four mid-level designers in Penang for the price of two U.S. hires, saving millions annually while accelerating game releases.

2. Skilled Designers Trained in Modern Engines

Malaysia produces thousands of creative tech graduates annually, many trained in Unity, Unreal Engine, and monetization strategy.

Example:
A Singaporean edtech firm outsourced game design to a Malaysian team with Unity and gamification expertise, reducing onboarding time and boosting engagement metrics.

3. Time Zone Overlap with APAC & Partial Europe

Malaysia’s GMT+8 time zone enables real-time collaboration across Asia-Pacific and partial overlap with Europe, ensuring faster iteration and smoother workflows.

Example:
A German gaming studio set up a design support team in Kuala Lumpur. With overlapping hours, they resolved level design issues overnight and delivered updates by the next European business day.

4. Strong English Proficiency and Global Collaboration

Malaysian designers are fluent in English and experienced in working with global clients via Slack, Jira, GitHub, and Zoom, ensuring seamless onboarding and communication.

Example:
A Hong Kong-based publisher outsourced game design tasks to Malaysian creatives. Their fluency and prior experience with global studios enabled smooth integration into cross-border teams.

5. Simplified Payroll & Compliance with EOR

Hiring in Malaysia is straightforward with an Employer of Record (EOR), which handles contracts, payroll, and statutory contributions like EPF, SOCSO, and EIS.

Example:
A Canadian gaming company used FastLaneRecruit’s EOR service to hire three senior designers in Malaysia. Payroll and compliance were fully managed locally, eliminating the need to set up a subsidiary.

Also Read: Front-end Developer Salary Guide 2025

Use Case: Scaling Game Design Teams Cost-Effectively

A U.S.-based gaming startup was preparing for a major mobile game launch, requiring a dedicated design team with expertise in Unity, monetization, and player retention. Hiring locally proved challenging due to high salary expectations and limited availability of mid-level talent.

To accelerate delivery and manage costs, the company partnered with FastLaneRecruit to build a five-person game design team in Malaysia. The team included two mid-level designers focused on level design and monetization, two junior designers handling UI flows and playtesting, and one senior designer overseeing narrative and player engagement strategy.

Outcome 1: Payroll costs reduced by 63% compared to hiring in the U.S.

By hiring in Malaysia, the company saved over USD 270,000 annually in payroll expenses. Salaries were benchmarked to local market rates, and FastLaneRecruit ensured competitive packages that attracted top-tier talent.

Outcome 2: Compliance fully managed through EPF, SOCSO, and tax filings

FastLaneRecruit’s Employer of Record (EOR) model handled all statutory contributions and tax deductions, including EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and PCB. The client received monthly payroll reports and audit-ready documentation.

Outcome 3: Game launch completed ahead of schedule with 24/7 support

Thanks to Malaysia’s GMT+8 time zone, the offshore team provided real-time collaboration with the U.S. product team and overnight issue resolution. The game launched two weeks ahead of schedule with strong player retention metrics.

Also Read: Payroll & Compliance Guide for Hiring Malaysian Front-end Developers

How to Hire Game Designers in Malaysia

Hiring Game Designers in Malaysia is straightforward once you understand the local talent market, salary benchmarks, and compliance requirements. Whether you’re building a remote-first team or expanding regional operations, a structured approach ensures success.

1. Define Role Requirements

Start by clearly outlining the role to attract the right candidates and avoid mismatches.

Key considerations:

Seniority Level

• Entry-level (0–2 years): Ideal for playtesting, UI flows, and basic level design
• Mid-level (3–5 years): Suitable for monetization strategy, level balancing, and cross-platform optimization
• Senior (6+ years): Best for narrative design, player engagement strategy, and mentoring junior designers

Tech Stack & Tools

• Unity, Unreal Engine
• Figma, GitHub, Jira
• Monetization frameworks, playtest platforms
• Accessibility and localization tools

Business Objectives

• Designing mobile-first casual games
• Building gamified fintech or edtech platforms
• Improving retention and monetization in existing titles

Example:
A Singaporean fintech firm hired two mid-level designers in Malaysia to build gamified dashboards. Clear role definition reduced onboarding time and improved delivery speed.

2. Choose a Hiring Model

Malaysia offers flexible hiring models depending on your setup and goals.

3. Set Competitive Salary Benchmarks

Game Designer salaries in Malaysia vary by location, seniority, and specialization. Designers in Kuala Lumpur and Penang often command higher pay due to demand from studios and startups.

Tips:

• Benchmark against local hubs: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
• Adjust compensation for in-demand skills like Unity or monetization strategy
• Offer training stipends or performance bonuses to attract top talent

Example:
A U.S.-based gaming company offered upper mid-level salaries and Unity certification support to attract top-tier designers.

4. Ensure Payroll Compliance

Malaysia has clear labor and tax regulations that employers must follow when hiring full-time designers. Ensuring compliance from day one helps avoid fines, misclassification risks, and employee dissatisfaction.

Key statutory requirements:

• EPF (Employees Provident Fund): Mandatory retirement savings contributions
• SOCSO (Social Security): Coverage for workplace injury and disability
• EIS (Employment Insurance System): Protection against job loss
• PCB (Potongan Cukai Bulanan): Monthly income tax deductions

How FastLaneRecruit helps:

• Automates payroll and statutory contributions
• Provides monthly reports and audit-ready documentation
• Keeps you updated on labor law changes and compliance risks

Example:
A Canadian gaming studio hired designers in Malaysia through FastLaneRecruit. Payroll automation and statutory filings were handled from day one, ensuring smooth onboarding and full compliance.

Also Read: DevOps Engineer Salary Guide 2025

FastLaneRecruit’s EOR Solution

For companies without a Malaysian entity, FastLaneRecruit’s Employer of Record (EOR) service offers a fast, compliant way to hire Game Designers.

What FastLaneRecruit covers:

• Compliant employment contracts
• Monthly payroll with EPF, SOCSO, EIS
• Income tax (PCB) deductions and filings
• Compliance with Malaysian labor laws
• Onboarding and local HR support

Benefits:

• Hire in days, not months
• Full compliance with zero misclassification risk
• Transparent payroll reporting
• Seamless integration with global HR systems

Example:
A Singapore-based gaming company used FastLaneRecruit’s EOR to hire three designers in Penang. Within two weeks, contracts were signed, payroll was active, and the team was fully operational without registering a Malaysian subsidiary.

Also Read: How to Outsource a DevOps Engineer Team Successfully

Conclusion

As gaming platforms evolve, Game Designers remain essential to delivering immersive, monetizable, and player-centric experiences. Their expertise in level design, monetization, and cross-platform optimization makes them indispensable for scaling global products in 2025 and beyond.

While markets like the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia offer high compensation, Malaysia presents a compelling balance between affordability and capability. With a growing pool of skilled designers, strong English proficiency, and government-backed digital initiatives, Malaysia enables businesses to reduce payroll costs by up to 65% while maintaining world-class standards.

For companies seeking to scale game design operations globally without the complexity of local compliance, Malaysia stands out as a strategic choice. By partnering with FastLaneRecruit, employers can seamlessly hire skilled Game Designers through a compliant Employer of Record (EOR) model, ensuring faster onboarding, transparent payroll, and full statutory compliance.

Malaysia isn’t just a cost-saving alternative; it’s a long-term investment in creativity, operational efficiency, and global growth.

Ready to Build a Smarter Game Design Team?

Hiring Game Designers doesn’t have to be slow, expensive, or complicated. With Malaysia’s growing pool of Unity and Unreal-savvy, English-speaking talent, global companies can expand their creative capabilities while keeping payroll lean and compliant.

By partnering with FastLaneRecruit, you gain:

• Access to skilled Malaysian designers trained in Unity, Unreal Engine, monetization, and UX
• Payroll savings of up to 65% compared to hiring in the U.S. or Europe
• Seamless compliance with EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and PCB is fully managed
• Faster hiring timelines, your team can be operational in days, not months
• Transparent payroll reporting that integrates with global HR systems

Whether you’re a startup launching your first title, a publisher optimizing design costs, or a gaming studio expanding into APAC, FastLaneRecruit makes offshore hiring simple, compliant, and scalable.

Let’s build a future-ready game design function: immersive, global, and built to last. Reach out to FastLaneRecruit today and start building your offshore game design team with confidence.