The majority of Australian games journalists are contractors (often called freelancers).
Below are the current rates that are on offer by some of the major Australian sites.
Please provide us with more information on any rates if you have it. Transparency around rates helps to ensure journalists are being paid appropriately. Click here to contact us.
IGN Australia
IGN AU primarily commissions features and opinion pieces, with a base rate of AUD $250. Particularly involved or time consuming pieces are commissioned at a higher rate.
Information provided by IGN Australia directly, and by contractors who have written for IGN Australia.
Kotaku Australia
Kotaku Australia no longer has a freelance budget and does not commission work.
GameSpot Australia
Reviews begin at $250 – $300 AUD as a base amount.
Contractors may negotiate upwards, taking into account factors such as deadlines, specialist skills, or length of playtime required.
Information provided by GameSpot Australia directly.
Junkee
$150 for an 800-1200 word feature piece.
Some writers have reported higher rates.
Information provided by contractors who have written for Junkee.
Future Publishing
PC PowerPlay: 20-40 cents per word.
Techlife: 30-50 cents per word.
Information provided by contractors who have written for Future Publishing.
Red Bull Esports
Some writers report that feature articles are paid at 20-25 cents per word.
Other writers have reported flat rates of $200 per article regardless of word count.
Information provided by contractors who have written for Red Bull Esports.
Stevivor
$100-$150 for an 800-1200 word piece.
Contractors may negotiate upwards, taking into account factors such as deadlines, specialist skills, or length of playtime required.
Information provided by Stevivor directly.
Ausgamers
$150 for a 1200 word piece.
Information provided by contractors who have written for Ausgamers.
PC World Australia
Most commissions pay around 20c per word .
Contractors may negotiate upwards, taking into account factors such as deadlines, specialist skills, or length of playtime required.
Information provided by PC World Australia directly.