Equity vs Salary: What Game Designers Prefer in Startups

Gaming · 5 min read

Startups in gaming used to rely heavily on equity to attract talent, but designers are now asking for better salaries plus transparent equity vesting and liquidity terms. The shift reflects concerns about market unpredictability and a desire for predictable income to support families and relocation.\n\nHiring managers are responding with hybrid packages: competitive base pay, performance bonuses tied to live ops metrics, and clear buyout or secondary market plans for early equity. Candidates value clarity on dilution, refresh grants, and potential acquisition scenarios.\n\nFor smaller studios unable to match large salaries, revenue sharing tied to specific projects or milestone-based bonus tranches has become an effective tool to attract senior designers without overpromising long term upside.