Game Economist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry, the role of a Game Economist has never been more critical.

As the gaming world evolves, the demand for strategic minds who can devise, enhance, and secure our virtual economies escalates.

But what exactly does a Game Economist do?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A recruiter aiming to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the complexities of game economy design,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Game Economist job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Game Economist Duties and Responsibilities

Game Economists work closely with game designers, developers, and producers to create and manage the in-game economic systems.

They are responsible for designing the economic framework that supports the gameplay, analyzing player behavior, and ensuring that the game economy is balanced and offers a fair and exciting experience to players.

The duties and responsibilities of a Game Economist often include:

• Designing and implementing the economic systems within a game, including currencies, pricing, inflation, and deflation mechanisms
• Collaborating with game designers and developers to ensure the game economy supports the overall gameplay and design goals
• Using statistical analysis to monitor and analyze player behavior and economic data
• Identifying and addressing economic imbalances or exploits within the game
• Providing recommendations for game adjustments based on economic analysis to optimize player engagement and monetization
• Developing models to predict player behavior and economic trends within the game
• Collaborating with production teams to implement economic changes and updates
• Documenting the game economy for reference and future development
• Staying informed about market trends and advances in game economics

 

Game Economist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Game Economist to join our team.

In this role, you will help design, develop, and implement in-game economies, using your expertise in economics and data analysis.

As a Game Economist, your responsibilities will include designing economic systems, analyzing player behavior, and adjusting the in-game economy to improve the player experience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of both economics and game design, and will use this knowledge to create balanced, engaging, and monetizable game economies.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement in-game economies
• Analyze player behavior and economic data
• Adjust game economy to improve player experience
• Collaborate with game designers and developers
• Forecast and evaluate the impact of changes to the game economy
• Identify and resolve issues related to the game economy
• Provide regular reports on game economy status and trends
• Develop strategies to improve game monetization

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Game Economist or similar role
• Strong understanding of economics and game design principles
• Ability to analyze data and provide actionable insights
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and software
• Experience with game development platforms, such as Unity or Unreal Engine
• BSc degree in Economics, Game Design, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Game Economist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Game Designer or Game Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $140,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What does a Game Economist do?

A Game Economist is a professional who works in the gaming industry, often as a part of the game development team.

Their primary role involves designing and managing the economic systems within the game environment.

This includes creating and adjusting in-game currencies, pricing, and trading systems.

They study and analyze player behavior and economic data to understand how players interact with the game’s economy.

Based on these insights, they make changes to the game’s economy to balance it and ensure it remains engaging and fair for all players.

Game Economists also work closely with game designers, developers, and producers to create economic features that enhance the game’s overall player experience.

Often, they are also involved in creating monetization strategies for the game, which may include in-app purchases, advertising partnerships, subscription models, and other sources of revenue.

Game Economists must have a strong understanding of economics, statistics, and data analysis, as well as a deep knowledge of gaming trends and player behavior.

They use these skills to create economic systems that enhance gameplay, player engagement, and revenue generation for the game.

 

Game Economist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient game economist should possess a combination of technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and creativity.

The skills and qualifications include:

• Deep understanding of economic theory and principles to design, implement and optimize in-game economies.
• Knowledge of game design principles to ensure that economic systems enhance the overall player experience.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills to analyze game data and player behavior, and adjust economic parameters accordingly.
• Ability to work closely with game designers, developers, and data scientists, employing strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and software, such as R or Python, to manipulate and interpret data effectively.
• Understanding of microtransactions, digital currencies, and other forms of in-game monetization.
• Ability to forecast trends and potential bottlenecks in the game economy.
• Knowledge of game genres and the gaming industry to create economies that resonate with target players.

 

Game Economist Experience Requirements

To become a Game Economist, candidates generally require at least 2-3 years of experience in a relevant field like economics, game design or data analysis.

This experience can be acquired through internships, co-op programs or entry-level positions in game development studios or tech companies.

Experience in economic modeling, forecasting, and statistical analysis is highly beneficial for this role.

Candidates should ideally have been involved in creating virtual economies for games, evaluating and adjusting game economies, and understanding player behavior.

For more senior roles, employers may require at least 5 years of relevant work experience.

These candidates are typically expected to have a deeper understanding of player behavior, game design and monetization strategies.

They may also be required to have experience in leading teams, managing projects and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

Additionally, experience with specific tools such as SQL, Python, or other data analysis software is often required.

A successful Game Economist often has a strong background in both economics and game design, with a passion for understanding and optimizing player behavior in the gaming environment.

 

Game Economist Education and Training Requirements

Game Economists usually have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, finance, or a related field.

They are expected to have a strong understanding of economic theories, principles, and models, as well as statistical analysis.

Many Game Economists also have backgrounds in computer science or game design, as an understanding of the technical aspects of game development can be beneficial.

Familiarity with game platforms, genres, and player behaviors is also important.

Some positions may require a PhD in economics, particularly for roles involving complex economic modeling or research.

Experience in the gaming industry, such as through internships or previous employment, can also be beneficial.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest economic theories, game design trends, and technologies is important for Game Economists.

They may also choose to pursue additional qualifications or certifications related to game development, data analysis, or economics.

Being able to demonstrate practical experience of implementing economic systems in games, whether through work experience or personal projects, can also be a valuable asset.

 

Game Economist Salary Expectations

A Game Economist can expect to earn an average of $93,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can significantly vary based on experience, education, the complexity of the game economy they are managing, and the location of the company.

 

Game Economist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Game Economist need?

A Game Economist should have strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and translate it into useful information.

They need to understand how the economy of a game functions and predict how changes will impact that economy.

They also need to have a strong understanding of game design principles and player behavior.

Being proficient in statistical analysis software and possessing excellent problem-solving skills is also beneficial.

 

Do Game Economists need a degree?

A degree in Economics, Game Design, Computer Science or related field is typically required for a Game Economist role.

Some positions may also require a Master’s degree in economics.

It is essential to have a solid understanding of economic theories, game theory, and statistical analysis.

Moreover, experience in the gaming industry is often highly valued.

 

What should you look for in a Game Economist resume?

A Game Economist’s resume should reflect a strong background in economics, data analysis, and game design.

Look for experience in developing and managing in-game economies, analyzing player behavior, and using data to drive decision making.

Proficiency in statistical software and programming languages such as Python or R is a plus.

Additionally, knowledge of the gaming industry and trends can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Game Economist?

A good Game Economist should be analytically minded and capable of interpreting complex datasets.

They should be able to make accurate predictions about the in-game economy and player behavior based on these analyses.

They also need to be creative, as they will be responsible for creating economic systems that are fun and engaging for players.

Strong communication skills are also important, as they need to be able to effectively explain their findings and recommendations to the game design team.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve revealed the inner workings of what it truly means to be a game economist.

Surprise!

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about shaping the virtual economies of tomorrow, one equation at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive game economist job description template and practical examples, you’re all set to level up.

But don’t just stop here.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next level to meticulously-created job listings or optimizing your CV to perfection.

Keep this in mind:

Every number crunched, every equation solved is part of a grander scheme.

Let’s shape these virtual economies. Together.