Behaviour Interactive PM Salary Guide | Complete Compensation

Introduction

Behaviour Interactive, a leading independent game developer, has established itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry. As the largest Canadian gaming studio, Behaviour has created iconic titles like Dead by Daylight and partnered with major brands to deliver engaging experiences. Understanding product manager compensation at Behaviour is crucial for both current employees and aspiring game industry professionals. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at Behaviour Interactive's PM salary structure, career progression, and how the company's compensation compares to industry standards in 2025. Whether you're negotiating an offer or planning your career path, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your future in game development product management.

Behaviour Interactive Product Manager Salary Overview

Product Manager salaries at Behaviour Interactive in 2025 reflect the company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive gaming industry. The general salary range for PMs at Behaviour spans from CAD 80,000 for entry-level positions to over CAD 200,000 for senior roles, with additional compensation in the form of bonuses and equity.

Several factors influence individual PM salaries at Behaviour:

• Experience: Years in product management and specific game development expertise
• Performance: Impact on game success and team leadership
• Location: Primarily based on the cost of living in Montreal, with adjustments for remote workers
• Education: Relevant degrees in computer science, game design, or business
• Specialization: Expertise in specific genres or platforms

Compared to industry standards, Behaviour Interactive offers competitive compensation, typically falling in the 60th to 75th percentile of game development studios. This positioning allows the company to attract skilled PMs while maintaining a balance with its independent studio status.

Understanding Behaviour Interactive's PM Compensation Structure

Behaviour Interactive's product manager compensation package consists of several components designed to provide both immediate and long-term value:

1. Base Salary:

   • Forms the foundation of the compensation package
   • Determined by level, experience, and performance
   • Reviewed annually with potential for merit-based increases

2. Annual Bonus:

   • Target bonus ranges from 10-25% of base salary
   • Tied to individual, team, and company performance
   • Paid out annually, typically in Q1 of the following year

3. Equity Compensation:

   • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) granted to PMs at all levels
   • Vesting schedule typically over 4 years with a 1-year cliff
   • Amount varies by level and can significantly increase total compensation

4. Benefits and Perks:

   • Comprehensive health and dental insurance
   • Generous paid time off and parental leave policies
   • Professional development budget
   • Game industry events and conferences attendance
   • Employee game testing programs
   • Fitness and wellness allowances

This structure is designed to align PM interests with the company's long-term success while providing competitive immediate compensation. The equity component, in particular, has become increasingly important as Behaviour continues to grow and expand its portfolio of successful games.

Behaviour Interactive Product Manager Salaries by Level

Behaviour Interactive's product management career ladder consists of five primary levels, each with its own salary range and compensation structure. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Associate Product Manager (APM):

   • Entry-level position for those new to product management
   • Focus on learning the ropes of game development and product processes
   • Typically requires 0-2 years of experience in gaming or related fields

2. Product Manager:

   • Manages individual game features or small games
   • Requires 2-5 years of experience in product management or game development
   • Expected to drive product decisions independently

3. Senior Product Manager:

   • Leads major game titles or multiple smaller projects
   • Typically has 5-8 years of experience
   • Involved in high-level product strategy and mentoring junior PMs

4. Principal Product Manager:

   • Oversees a portfolio of games or a major franchise
   • Usually has 8+ years of experience
   • Contributes to company-wide product strategy

5. Director of Product:

   • Sets product direction for the entire studio
   • Typically has 10+ years of experience, including leadership roles
   • Heavily involved in business strategy and stakeholder management

It's important to note that these ranges can vary based on individual performance, market conditions, and the specific needs of projects. High-performing PMs may see their compensation exceed these ranges, especially through increased equity grants or performance bonuses.

How Location Affects Behaviour Interactive PM Salaries

While Behaviour Interactive is headquartered in Montreal, the company has embraced a flexible work model that includes remote opportunities. This approach has implications for PM salaries:

• Montreal-based PMs: Salaries are benchmarked against the local tech market, which tends to be lower than major U.S. tech hubs but competitive within Canada.

• Remote workers in Canada: May see slight adjustments based on local cost of living, typically within 5-10% of Montreal-based salaries.

• International PMs: Compensation is structured to be competitive in local markets while maintaining internal equity. This may result in significant variations from the Montreal benchmark.

Behaviour's remote work policy allows for salary consistency across Canada, with minor adjustments for high-cost areas like Toronto or Vancouver. For international hires, the company uses a market-based approach, ensuring competitive offers while considering exchange rates and local economic factors.

Career Progression and Salary Growth

Career progression at Behaviour Interactive follows a structured path, with opportunities for salary growth tied to promotions and performance:

1. Typical Career Path: APM → PM → Senior PM → Principal PM → Director of Product

2. Salary Growth:

   • Annual merit increases: 3-5% for meeting expectations
   • Promotional increases: 10-20% when moving to the next level
   • Performance-based adjustments: Up to 15% for exceptional contributors

3. Timeframes for Advancement:

   • APM to PM: 2-3 years
   • PM to Senior PM: 3-4 years
   • Senior PM to Principal PM: 3-5 years
   • Principal PM to Director: Varies, typically 5+ years

Behaviour encourages PMs to take on increasing responsibility and showcase leadership in game development to accelerate their career progression. The company also values cross-functional experience, often rotating PMs through different game teams or genres to broaden their expertise.

Negotiating Your Behaviour Interactive PM Offer

When negotiating a PM offer at Behaviour Interactive, consider these tips:

1. Research thoroughly: Understand the current market rates for game industry PMs in Montreal and your specific level.

2. Highlight unique skills: Emphasize any specialized knowledge in emerging technologies, specific game genres, or relevant industry experience.

3. Consider the total package: Look beyond base salary to bonus potential, equity grants, and benefits.

4. Be flexible: If there's limited room on base salary, negotiate for higher equity or a signing bonus.

5. Demonstrate your value: Use concrete examples of past successes and how they align with Behaviour's goals.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Focusing solely on base salary
• Neglecting to negotiate equity, especially for senior roles
• Failing to articulate your unique value proposition

Remember, Behaviour Interactive values long-term commitment and cultural fit. Frame your negotiation in terms of your excitement for the role and long-term career at the company.

Conclusion

Behaviour Interactive offers a competitive and well-structured compensation package for product managers at all levels. The company's commitment to balancing base salary, performance bonuses, and equity grants provides PMs with opportunities for both immediate and long-term financial growth. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Behaviour's compensation structure remains adaptive, ensuring it can attract and retain top talent.

For aspiring and current PMs, Behaviour Interactive presents an exciting opportunity to work on innovative games while enjoying a rewarding career path. By understanding the nuances of the company's compensation structure and career progression, you can make informed decisions about your professional journey in the dynamic world of game development.

Whether you're considering a role at Behaviour Interactive or looking to advance within the company, this guide serves as a valuable resource for navigating your PM career in the gaming industry. Remember that while compensation is important, the opportunity to create impactful, engaging games and grow professionally should also factor into your career decisions.

FAQs

How often does Behaviour Interactive review and adjust its PM compensation structure?

Behaviour Interactive typically conducts annual compensation reviews to ensure its packages remain competitive in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. However, the company may also make off-cycle adjustments in response to significant market changes or to retain key talent. PMs can expect a formal review of their compensation package at least once a year, usually coinciding with their performance review.

Does Behaviour Interactive offer any unique perks for Product Managers in the gaming industry?

Yes, Behaviour Interactive offers several unique perks tailored to game industry professionals:

• Early access to upcoming games and features for testing
• Attendance at major gaming conventions like E3 or GDC
• Collaboration opportunities with well-known IP holders and brands
• Regular game jams and innovation days to explore new ideas
• A robust wellness program including mental health support, crucial in the often high-pressure gaming industry

These perks are designed to keep PMs engaged, creative, and at the forefront of gaming trends.

How does Behaviour Interactive's PM compensation compare to other major game studios?

While specific comparisons can vary, Behaviour Interactive generally positions its PM compensation packages competitively within the mid-to-upper range of independent game studios. Compared to larger, publicly traded game companies, Behaviour's base salaries might be slightly lower, but the company often makes up for this with more generous equity grants and a more flexible work environment. The total compensation package at Behaviour is typically on par with or slightly above the industry average when considering all components.

Can Product Managers at Behaviour Interactive expect any changes to the compensation structure in response to the evolving game industry landscape?

As the game industry continues to shift towards live service models and cross-platform experiences, Behaviour Interactive is likely to adapt its compensation structure to reflect these changes. This may include:

• Increased emphasis on performance bonuses tied to game engagement metrics
• More substantial equity grants to align PM interests with long-term studio success
• Introduction of specialized bonuses for PMs working on emerging technologies (e.g., VR/AR, cloud gaming)
• Adjusted salary bands to remain competitive in attracting talent from both gaming and broader tech industries

PMs should stay informed about industry trends and be prepared to discuss how their skills align with Behaviour's evolving needs during compensation reviews.

Related Guides Section

📖 Behaviour Interactive Product Strategy Guide – Deep dive into Behaviour Interactive's business model and game development approach.

📖 Behaviour Interactive PM Interview Guide – Everything about the hiring process for Product Managers at Behaviour Interactive.

📖 Dead by Daylight Product Teardown Guide – Detailed analysis of Behaviour's flagship game, Dead by Daylight.