People Management

Reports in the People Management category.

7 documents

Making Games, Making Future: Inside the Realities of Game Careers

This research examines the professional landscape of the global gaming industry, drawing on a survey of over 160 professionals conducted during Gamescom 2025. The sample represents a diverse geographic spread, with significant participation from Europe and North America, alongside emerging representation from Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Demographically, the industry remains male-dominated (65%), though women (30%) and non-binary individuals (6%) constitute a notable portion of the workforce. The data highlights a mid-career-heavy industry, where nearly half of the respondents possess six to ten years of experience, while newcomers are increasingly rare due to slowed recruitment and a preference for senior talent. The central thesis identifies a stark paradox: while 76% of professionals report high job satisfaction driven by a deep passion for creative expression, trust in the industry as a sustainable career path has collapsed, evidenced by a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of -40. This disillusionment is most pronounced among veterans aged 45 and older. While the "spark of passion" remains the primary motivator for joining and staying in the field, it is increasingly undermined by systemic issues. Key deterrents include low compensation (54%), unstable employment (43%), and burnout (30%). The findings conclude that the industry is at a critical juncture. Professionals envision a future defined by player-centric design, cross-platform development, and increased diversity. However, they warn that the current model—characterized by "suits" maximizing short-term profits and frequent layoffs—is unsustainable. The research suggests that a "Golden Age" of gaming can only be achieved by shifting from profit-driven exploitation of passion toward structural stability, fair compensation, and genuine collaboration. Without these changes, the industry risks a continuous drain of the talent required to sustain its creative output.

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Duamentes GamingJan 2025

Report

Big Games Industry Employment Survey 2025: Salaries, Compensation Trends and State of the Games Sector in Europe

The European games industry entered 2025 in a state of significant distress, characterized by widespread layoffs, stagnant wages, and a sharp decline in employee well-being. Approximately 26% of professionals across the continent experienced layoffs, with junior-level talent bearing the brunt of the instability as 39% exited the sector entirely. This contraction has shifted the labor market from a growth-oriented environment to one focused on cost optimization. Consequently, employee engagement scores have plummeted, and over half of the workforce reports suffering from professional burnout. Financial stability has replaced company mission as the primary motivator for 87% of workers, many of whom are now accepting inferior contract terms or pay cuts to remain employed. Compensation trends reveal a deepening divide based on geography, seniority, and specialization. While median salaries remain highest in the Fighting and MMO genres, reaching up to €90,000 in the EU and UK, a persistent gender pay gap continues to affect technical and C-level roles. Programmers have seen a downward trend in compensation due to increased competition and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. AI adoption has surged, with over 60% of professionals now using these tools regularly, particularly in analytics and management. However, creative fields like art and quality assurance remain more resistant to AI integration, even as these specific roles face the highest risks of unemployment and long-term job searches. Workplace culture is currently defined by a regression in structured support and a rise in management inefficiency. The number of companies lacking dedicated diversity and inclusion specialists has increased to 67%, while nearly one-third of developers report stagnant professional growth. Although remote flexibility remains a high priority, the shift toward pragmatic relocation suggests that workers are increasingly making career decisions based on cost-of-living calculations rather than traditional ambition. This environment of instability has doubled the rate of long-term unemployment, leaving the European games industry with a workforce that is increasingly disillusioned and prioritized toward survival over innovation.

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InGameJob & Values ValueJan 2025

Report

Big Games Industry Employment Survey 2024: Salaries, Compensation Trends and State of the Games Sector in Europe

The European games industry in 2024 is characterized by significant volatility and structural transformation, with 15% of the workforce experiencing layoffs and 10% exiting the sector entirely. This instability disproportionately affects junior professionals, nearly a third of whom have left the industry over the past year. While 44% of those who switched jobs secured career gains, a notable 24% accepted lower pay or seniority to remain employed. Job satisfaction and employee loyalty follow a U-shaped trajectory, typically bottoming out between three and five years of experience before rebounding as professionals prioritize stability and mature corporate processes. Technological integration and workplace culture are central to current industry shifts. AI adoption has surged by 17% year-over-year, with 54% of professionals now utilizing these tools. Despite this modernization, the sector struggles with persistent systemic issues, including a gender pay gap driven by a lack of female representation in leadership and technical roles. Discrimination remains prevalent, as 32% of respondents reported personal experiences with gender-based bias and 26% cited ageism. Furthermore, a significant gap in professional development exists; 55% of workers received no formal training in the past year, forcing 65% of those seeking advancement to self-fund their education. Operational pressures continue to impact well-being, with 28% of the workforce reporting stagnant career development and 7% working overtime almost daily. High dissatisfaction is closely linked to professional burnout, poor management, and a lack of work-life balance. However, certain segments show resilience; the outsourcing sector saw a significant rise in employee net promoter scores, and hybrid work models remain a primary driver of retention. While free-to-play studios generally offer higher compensation than premium developers, long-term stability perks and profit-sharing remain the most effective tools for maintaining a committed workforce in an increasingly precarious market.

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InGame JobJan 2024

Report

Behind the Screens: The Salary Stats in Gamedev

This research, conducted by 80 Level in January 2024, examines the global compensation landscape and financial well-being of professionals within the video game development industry. Based on a survey of over 1,000 respondents from the 80 Level Research panel and reader base, the study analyzes how geography, years of experience, and specific job roles influence annual income and purchasing power. The findings reveal a highly stratified industry where nearly 40% of developers earn less than $40,000 annually, while only 11% exceed the $150,000 mark. Geographic location serves as a primary driver of these disparities; for instance, 36% of U.S.-based professionals earn over $150,000, whereas 54% of surveyed developers in India earn under $9,999. In Europe, the majority of professionals in the UK, Germany, and Sweden fall within the $30,000 to $79,999 range. The data also highlights a significant "cost of living" gap, noting that while 16.6% of the workforce can afford all discretionary purchases, 24.4% earn enough for a car but remain unable to afford a residence. Experience levels further dictate earning potential, with 74% of interns earning under $9,999, while 24% of Directors and Leads exceed $150,000. The analysis of specific roles shows that Creative Directors and Software Developers generally occupy higher salary segments compared to Artists and Game Designers. Notably, the study identifies a segment of "struggling" C-level executives (19%), likely representing founders of small indie studios who face financial instability despite their titles. The research concludes that while the industry offers high-earning potential at senior levels in Western hubs, a substantial portion of the global workforce operates under significant financial constraints.

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80 LevelJan 2024

Report

2023 Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey

The global games and interactive industry is currently navigating a period of significant transition characterized by a shift in worker priorities toward financial security and flexible work arrangements. Financial remuneration has emerged as the primary driver for job changes, with 31% of professionals citing salary as their main motivation. This trend is largely fueled by the cost of living crisis, which impacts 77% of the workforce. Despite these economic pressures, 62% of employers have yet to implement measures to address rising living costs, creating a disconnect between employee needs and corporate support. Workplace culture and flexibility represent critical areas of interest for the 2023 outlook. While 92% of respondents now expect remote work options, there is a growing demand for a four-day work week, which 82% of the industry views as a catalyst for improved morale and productivity. However, adoption remains low, with only 7% of studios currently offering such a schedule. Furthermore, inclusivity gaps persist, as 28% of employees with neurodiverse or mental health diagnoses report a lack of workplace accommodations. Geographic and departmental trends indicate high job-seeking intent for the coming year, particularly in Eastern Europe and among programming specialists. While finishing current projects was a primary reason for declining offers in 2022, the focus has shifted toward securing higher pay and comprehensive benefits such as private healthcare and pensions. These findings suggest that to attract and retain talent in a competitive market, industry leaders must prioritize financial transparency, mental health support, and flexible operational models that align with modern worker expectations.

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SkillsearchJan 2023

Report

State of the Game Development Industry 2023: Workplace Health & HR Culture, Mental Trends

The global game development industry entered a period of profound instability throughout 2023, characterized by widespread layoffs affecting 28% of the workforce and a pervasive crisis of employee loyalty. This volatility is reflected in a negative Employee Net Promoter Score of -19%, signaling deep-seated dissatisfaction across the sector. While economic recalibration and management failures are the primary drivers of this distress, only 3% of job losses are currently attributed to AI automation. Instead, the workplace is increasingly defined by "quiet hiring" practices, where 37% of employees take on expanded responsibilities without additional compensation, often coupled with unpaid overtime and insufficient severance packages. Despite these hardships, remote and hybrid work models have become the industry standard, with 80% of professionals operating outside traditional office environments. Job seekers now prioritize salary, remote flexibility, and skill development above all else. However, a significant disconnect exists between employer expectations and worker reality. While 88% of firms prioritize industry expertise and portfolios over formal education, they simultaneously struggle to fill high-level specialist roles. This talent gap is exacerbated by a competitive market where 50% of professionals find suitable opportunities scarce, particularly entry-level candidates and marginalized groups who face heightened barriers to entry. The most critical factor for improving retention and workplace culture is managerial mindfulness, specifically ethical leadership and empathy. Despite its statistical importance to employee satisfaction, only 13% of companies provide leadership training in these areas. As 70% of professionals report general dissatisfaction and 34% of companies have scaled back hiring, the industry faces a structural imbalance. Success in the current landscape requires a shift away from traditional recruitment and toward fostering supportive environments that address the mental health and professional growth of a demoralized workforce.

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80 LevelJan 2023

Report

UK Games Jobs Summary: November 2022

The United Kingdom games industry experienced a notable contraction in recruitment activity during November 2022, continuing a downward trend observed throughout the second half of the year. Open vacancies decreased by several hundred positions compared to the previous month, leaving the market with over 500 fewer available roles than in June 2022. This decline aligns with broader global and domestic technology sector layoffs. While major development hubs such as London, Guildford, Leamington Spa, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Manchester remain the primary centers for recruitment, these locations have seen a significant reduction in active job postings. The downturn has impacted various industry segments and disciplines unevenly. Mobile studios recorded the highest proportional reduction in open roles, often attributed to the fulfillment or removal of positions following major corporate mergers. Despite the general decline in volume, the market shows resilience in specific areas; two less prominent geographic regions bucked the national trend by increasing their job offerings. Furthermore, while senior and experienced roles remain prevalent, there was a recorded increase in advertised junior positions, suggesting a continued interest in developing entry-level talent despite broader economic headwinds. Data indicates that Software Engineers, Producers, and Senior Environment Artists are among the most sought-after titles. Programming, Art, and Design remain the dominant hiring categories, though most disciplines have seen a net loss in postings. The age of available jobs suggests a mix of immediate needs and long-term vacancies, with over 600 new jobs added in the month preceding the summary. This analysis is based on a comprehensive database of UK game studios, which expanded by eight new companies during this period, providing a representative snapshot of the hiring landscape across AAA, AA, mobile, indie, and service-based sectors.

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Games Jobs LiveNov 2022