Wages are rising faster in the computer games sector than in the wider UK economy, and job opportunities are growing.
The Games Software Developers Salary Survey found that for the first time in five years the increase in pay packets in the sector of 3.4% outstripped the 3.1% rise seen more generally.
Industry body Tiga said that, with a concurrent increase in job vacancies, it was a “great time” to embark on a career in the industry.
The uplift in the sector comes on the back of the introduction of games tax relief last month, which offers studios up to a 25% reduction in core development costs.
The allowance, which was finally given the go-ahead after months of delays following a probe by the European Union, can be offset against salaries and has been hailed by Tiga as a major driver for growth.
Previous analysis carried out by the group suggested thousands of new jobs could be created in the UK within five years as a result of games tax relief being introduced.
“Salaries in the games industry are now rising faster than the national average,” Tiga chief executive officer Dr Richard Wilson said.
“Job opportunities in the games industry are set to grow, and investment in the sector is set to increase.
“Tiga research suggests that at least 4,660 highly skilled jobs will be generated and £188 million in investment will be triggered over the next five years thanks to the introduction of games tax relief.”
Steve Munday, the senior reward consultant at Aon Hewitt, which compiled the GSDS survey, said that job opportunities were increasing in the creative industries.
“Our 2013-14 survey again provides a detailed picture of this industry, and going forward Aon Hewitt is in a position to combine this with our expertise in all areas of reward and work with Tiga and other organisations to draw out insights and long-term trends across the sector, not only in terms of pay and benefits but also in terms of policy design and employee demographics.”