What Is the Difference Between Digital Games Business and Games Design?
Many universities offer a Games Design programme. As the name suggests, this is a degree focused on game design – with an emphasis on creative and artistic content.
In the Digital Games Business programme, creativity also plays a role, but the focus is more on the business aspects of the games industry. Topics include product and content development, marketing, sales and innovation management.
Who Is Digital Games Business Right For?
This programme is perfect for you if you love games and innovation and want to become a manager in the games industry. The games industry has grown enormously in recent years – the German games market alone generates over €10 billion in revenue, with an upward trend.
Career Opportunities After Digital Games Business
While a Games Design degree leads primarily to artistic roles, Digital Games Business opens up positions at the intersection of business and gaming:
- Product Manager: The link between development, production, marketing and distribution of games
- Games Analyst: Data analysis from digital games to inform decisions on game development and marketing strategies
- QA Manager: Quality assurance for games – content, technology and compatibility
- Game Producer: Overseeing the game development process from concept to completion – time, budget and quality
- Community Manager: Building and managing gaming communities, direct contact with players
- Marketing Specialist: Online marketing and brand management in the games industry
- Innovation Management: Wherever co-creation and joint product development with users is relevant
Salary Prospects in the Games Industry
As the games industry continues to grow and evolve, income varies considerably. The figures below represent average gross annual salaries in Germany.
Entry-level: In project management, product, brand, content, communication or marketing and sales management, starting salaries range between €35,000 and €45,000.
With extensive professional experience, salaries of around €60,000 – €80,000 per year are achievable. With a Master's degree and relevant experience, six-figure salaries are also possible.