[Web] GameSoundCon 2025: Game Music and Sound Design Jobs Data Analysis

GameSoundCon 2025 survey included 654 respondents, covering AAA, midcore, and indie game audio professionals.

• Audio outsourcing has tripled in 10 years; 62% are salaried employees, 25% freelancers.
• Average salaries: US/Canada $155k, EU/UK $71k; freelance AAA composer rate approx. $1871/min.
• Layoffs affected 16%; about half found new game audio jobs post-layoff.
• Generative AI use is limited (8%), mainly for placeholder dialogue and scripting.
• 80% hold at least a bachelor's degree; recent hires all have degrees, mostly in music/audio.
• Majority male respondents (82%), with gradual increase in female and non-binary representation.
• Popular tools: Wwise and FMOD; common engines: Unreal and Unity with varied audio engine use.
• Most freelancers prefer freelancing for flexibility despite some seeking employment.

From: https://www.gamesoundcon.com/post/gamesoundcon-game-audio-industry-survey-2025