Muhammad Saleem

The game development industry is becoming a significant source of earning for the youth of Pakistan.  Talking to WealthPK, Adnan Masood, a developer, said game development was emerging as a powerful engine for the youth’s livelihood, as Pakistan’s digital landscape was undergoing a transformation.

He said the gaming industry offered a world of opportunities for earning, as everyone around the globe was a potential customer. He said game developers were hunting for clients online and providing their services to the people residing in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and other countries. The game developers are strengthening the national economy by fetching millions of dollars annually from the international markets. This style of earning is creating jobs for the youth and contributing to the digital economy.

Shedding light on the earnings of game developers, he said an entry-level game developer could easily earn between $500 and $800 monthly, while experienced professionals could bring home $1,500-$2,500 monthly. He said the developers working with international studios earned even more and also created employment for many locals. He said government educational institutions must offer specialized game development and interactive media courses, enabling the youth to showcase their talent internationally.

According to Hassan Ali, a graphic designer, the gaming industry is booming on all fronts, as e-sport thrives by leaps and bounds, and people rake in handsome amounts monthly by playing multiple games. He said good gamers showed off their skills on multiple video streaming channels and earned through monetization and brand collaborations. Besides, he said, sensing the rapid growth of this industry, investors had also started organizing gaming competitions where they offered lucrative prizes and multiple gifts. People from different parts of the world participate in these competitions both online and at the event venue.

Muhammad Adil, who left a government job to pursue a career as a developer in the gaming industry, said this industry had transformed in recent years, and its evolution had been nothing short of revolutionary. He said a couple of years ago, game development was not considered a successful career in Pakistan, but now the situation had changed, as it had become a lucrative professional path. In this industry, young developers have no boundaries, as they can tap into both local and international markets. Keeping the youth confined to the local markets is equal to killing their potential, he added. Pakistani developers are creating games that can compete on global platforms like Google Play, Steam, and Apple App Store.

They are able to produce a wide range of game genres — from mobile casual games to complex multiplayer experiences. He suggested that the government must establish platforms where international clients could place orders with confidence to ensure that everyone was on the same page. Local developers need financial support, while international clients require hassle-free projects, he added. “Our youth have limited access to advanced training programs which are crucial to compete internationally. Similarly, the government must offer them interest-free loans to establish software houses.

Initial capital constraints need immediate attention of policymakers. Solving this issue will create jobs in Pakistan,” he said. Hassan Ali said high-speed internet was the backbone of the gaming industry; however, for a couple of months, they had been experiencing internet outages, which were damaging the gaming business. International game publishers are actively seeking talent from Pakistan, as they are affordable and highly skilled.

Credit: INP-WealthPk