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Game Industry Library is run by WTF Holding B.V. · Noorderduinstraat 623, 1361 DB Almere, the Netherlands · Chamber of Commerce 78271266 · VAT NL861326155B01 · [email protected].

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Workforce & Careers

Workforce & Careers

Jobs, salaries, layoffs and diversity in the people who make games.

219 documents

Cover of Spelutvecklarindex 2023: Swedish Games Industry

Dataspelsbranschen · 2023

Spelutvecklarindex 2023: Swedish Games Industry

The Swedish games industry serves as a powerhouse of global digital entertainment, characterized by rapid revenue expansion and a vast international footprint. In 2022, the sector generated 86.5 billion SEK in global revenue, marking a 47% increase largely fueled by aggressive acquisition strategies. With 392 Swedish-owned studios operating across 59 countries, the industry employs approximately 25,000 people worldwide, including 8,445 domestic staff. This reach is immense, with Swedish-developed titles accumulating nearly 7 billion downloads and engaging roughly one-quarter of the global population. Despite this commercial success, the industry faces structural bottlenecks that threaten long-term sustainability. A persistent talent shortage remains the primary constraint on production capacity, exacerbated by challenges regarding work permits and a lack of formal financial support structures for early-stage startups compared to European peers. To mitigate these issues, studios are increasingly leveraging productivity-enhancing technologies like generative AI, standardized game engines, and collaborative regional ecosystems that bridge the gap between specialized education and professional development. Social and operational evolution remains a core priority for the sector. Efforts to improve gender diversity are yielding tangible results, with women accounting for nearly half of all new hires in 2022, bringing female representation to 23.4% of the workforce. Simultaneously, the industry is pivoting toward broader sustainability goals, focusing on reducing environmental footprints and fostering healthy, inclusive workplace cultures. As the sector navigates the complexities of hybrid work environments and the integration of emerging technologies, it continues to function as a vital catalyst for innovation, driving value that extends well beyond the boundaries of traditional game development.

Cover of Impacto de la aplicación de sistemas de incentivos fiscales en la industria de videojuegos: España

AEVI · 2023

Impacto de la aplicación de sistemas de incentivos fiscales en la industria de videojuegos: España

The analysis evaluates how a targeted fiscal‑incentive regime would reshape Spain’s video‑game industry, arguing that a 20 % corporate‑tax credit for developers could expand sector turnover from €1.435 billion in 2022 to roughly €5.5 billion by 2028—a compound annual growth rate of about 27 %—and raise full‑time employment from just under 10 000 jobs to more than 23 000 by 2030, an 80 % increase. Despite the lower tax rate, overall fiscal receipts would grow, with a direct contribution of €1.9 billion and an additional €1.0 billion generated through reinvestment and consumer spending, indicating a net positive return for the Treasury. Spain’s ecosystem comprises roughly 760 active studios, of which 445 are incorporated, and 71 publishers, with the top ten accounting for almost 95 % of revenue. Development costs vary markedly by platform—averaging €419 k for consoles, €338 k for PC and €94 k for mobile—while break‑even periods range from 8.6 to 15.5 months, underscoring the financing pressure on predominantly

Cover of NHK Enterprise's 'Kami-Ge Creator Evolution' Succeeds Japan Game Awards 'Amateur' and 'U18' Divisions

CESA – Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association · 2023

NHK Enterprise's 'Kami-Ge Creator Evolution' Succeeds Japan Game Awards 'Amateur' and 'U18' Divisions

NHK Enterprise is launching the “Kami‑Ge Creator Evolution” contest as a dedicated platform for nurturing the next generation of Japanese game developers, and from 2024 it will incorporate the Japan Game Awards’ Amateur and U18 divisions. The initiative, begun in 2022 under the theme “Evolve the Game,” seeks to discover and develop talent through a series of contest events, community support, and media exposure, including a documentary broadcast on NHK General in February 2023 that generated strong public interest. The competition invites creators from across Japan to submit original games, which are evaluated for innovative expansion of the medium’s boundaries by a diverse panel of established game designers, media artists, and other industry figures. In addition to expert judging, a public popularity vote is conducted, and the contest awards a Grand Prize, Excellence Awards, and Honorable Mentions in the Amateur category, while the U18 category focuses on participants aged 18 or younger, reflecting the Japan Game Awards’ long‑standing commitment to youth development since 2018. The 2024 schedule begins with an entry period from 1 February to the end of April, followed by nomination, second‑round video submissions in July, third‑round game submissions in October, finalist announcements at the end of October, and a final event slated for December. A closed Discord community supports participants with exclusive benefits, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, reinforcing the project’s role as a learning environment. Special cooperation from the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) provides additional industry credibility and resources. The contest is open to individuals, teams, corporations, and organizations regardless of age, gender, nationality, or the number of entries, emphasizing inclusivity and broad outreach. By integrating the Amateur and U18 awards, the “Kami‑Ge Creator Evolution” aims to broaden the creative framework of Japanese games, foster innovative design, and strengthen the pipeline of skilled developers. The organizers are actively seeking sponsors to sustain the project’s growth and align with NHK Enterprise’s broader commitment to sustainable development and cultural enrichment.

Cover of People Can Fly: Q1 2023 Financial Results

PCF Group · 2023

People Can Fly: Q1 2023 Financial Results

PCF Group, the parent entity of the People Can Fly studio, reports a period of continued organizational expansion and strategic financial positioning as of the first quarter of 2023. The group has significantly grown its workforce to 642 employees by March 31, 2023, up from 612 at the end of 2022. This growth is concentrated primarily in its European hubs, including Warsaw, Rzeszów, and Newcastle, while maintaining a substantial presence in North America through its Montreal and New York studios. The team composition remains heavily weighted toward development, supported by specialized units like Incuvo and GameOn. Financial data indicates a stable balance sheet with total assets and liabilities reaching 351.9 million PLN. A notable shift is observed in the group’s cash position, which decreased from 137.1 million PLN at the end of 2021 to 60.9 million PLN by the end of Q1 2023. Simultaneously, investment in development work in progress has surged to 139.7 million PLN, reflecting an intensive production cycle. Equity remains strong at 271.6 million PLN, providing a solid foundation for the group’s long-term objectives. The strategic focus is transitioning from a work-for-hire model toward self-publishing. While the group continues to leverage partnerships with global publishers to ensure financial stability and experimental freedom, the ultimate goal is to release three AAA projects under a self-publishing framework. This shift is projected to drive a 4.9x revenue increase between 2023 and 2027. Funding for this strategy is secured through a combination of operational cash flow, debt financing, and a strategic investment agreement with Krafton, which contributed 144.5 million PLN via a share subscription. This diversified capital structure is intended to support the full realization of the group’s ambitious development pipeline.

Cover of Vägar in i spelbranschen: Kompetens, utbildning och konsten att skapa spel (2023)

Dataspelsbranschen · 2023

Vägar in i spelbranschen: Kompetens, utbildning och konsten att skapa spel (2023)

The Swedish game industry is currently experiencing a critical talent shortage that threatens its long-term competitiveness and growth. With the sector recording 1,348 new hires in 2021 alone, domestic educational institutions are failing to meet demand, producing fewer than half of the required professionals. This imbalance is exacerbated by the rapid expansion of the industry and the lack of official recognition for game development as a formal academic discipline, which complicates data tracking and strategic planning. To sustain its global standing, the industry must bridge the gap between educational output and the evolving needs of studios, particularly in core disciplines such as programming, design, and graphics. The Swedish educational landscape is characterized by a robust ecosystem of vocational programs and academic institutions that prioritize project-based, team-oriented learning. While these programs are highly effective at producing job-ready graduates, the reliance on international recruitment remains essential, with roughly one-third to half of the workforce originating from abroad. However, this dependency is hampered by significant bureaucratic obstacles, including restrictive work permit policies for non-EU vocational students and complex regulations regarding international remote work. Furthermore, the industry faces persistent challenges related to housing shortages and the need to improve gender diversity within the workforce. To ensure future stability, the industry must foster closer alignment between academic research funding and practical studio requirements. Strengthening the pipeline for domestic talent while simultaneously streamlining pathways for international professionals is vital. By formalizing game development within the academic framework and addressing the administrative barriers that currently impede the retention of global talent, Sweden can maintain its position as a leading hub for game development. These systemic adjustments are necessary to transform the current recruitment bottleneck into a sustainable model for continued innovation and economic success.

Cover of Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey 2023

Skillsearch · 2023

Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey 2023

The 2023 Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey establishes that financial compensation has emerged as the primary catalyst for professional mobility within the global gaming industry. Driven largely by the prevailing cost of living crisis, employees are increasingly prioritizing salary increases when evaluating career moves. While monetary remuneration remains the dominant factor, non-monetary benefits such as flexible working arrangements, private healthcare, and robust pension schemes are essential for talent retention. The data indicates a high degree of industry volatility, with a significant portion of the workforce—particularly among programmers and artists—actively considering new employment opportunities throughout the year. Geographically focused on the UK, Europe, and broader global markets, the findings underscore a fundamental shift in workplace expectations. Remote work has transitioned from a temporary accommodation to a standard requirement, with the vast majority of professionals now expecting at least one day of remote work per week. Despite this, a disconnect persists between employee needs and employer support. Many workers report inadequate institutional backing regarding mental health, neurodiversity accommodations, and financial pressures. Furthermore, project completion cycles serve as a major inflection point for retention, as employees frequently initiate job searches immediately following the conclusion of their current assignments. Ultimately, the industry faces a complex retention landscape where high mobility is tempered by a desire for stability and work-life balance. Although a large percentage of the workforce is open to changing employers, many candidates decline offers that fail to meet specific salary thresholds or project-based interests. To remain competitive, organizations must reconcile the demand for flexible, remote-first environments with the necessity of addressing the financial and psychological well-being of their staff, particularly as project-based turnover continues to threaten long-term team cohesion.

Cover of 2023 Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey

Skillsearch · 2023

2023 Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey

The ninth‑year Games & Interactive Salary & Satisfaction Survey demonstrates that financial remuneration has become the predominant catalyst for career moves, eclipsing flexible or remote work as a primary motivator. Across the United Kingdom and Western Europe, 31 % of respondents cite higher pay as their main reason for leaving a position, while culture and benefits remain significant secondary drivers. In Eastern Europe, remote working is almost universal (91 %) yet salary still leads the list of motivations for job changes. The survey’s high response rate allows a granular view of compensation trends, revealing junior programmers earning £25‑£50 k globally and senior or managerial roles reaching up to £200 k in certain markets. A notable trend is the heightened turnover during project close‑out periods, with 22 % of UK respondents declining offers to finish current projects and a global job‑hunt rate of 46 %. This suggests studios must strengthen retention strategies once projects conclude. Remote work expectations are high, with 92 % of global respondents anticipating at least one remote day per week, and flexible/remote working remains a top benefit sought (16‑19 % across regions). Artist compensation has risen sharply, with average salaries increasing 35 % from 2021 to 2023. Mid‑level artists now earn around £75 k, while senior and lead roles approach £50 k. Remote work is preferred by 76 % of artists, and private health care (41 %) and pension plans (39 %) are the most valued benefits. Technical artists show lower job‑hunting activity compared to concept or character artists, indicating varying stability across creative roles. Overall, the survey underscores a cost‑of‑living pressure that prioritizes pay, while culture, flexibility, and robust post‑project retention remain critical for talent attraction and retention across the global games industry.

Cover of 2023 European Video Games Industry Insight Report

European Games Developer Federation · 2023

2023 European Video Games Industry Insight Report

By European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) Supported by Video Games Europe European Video Games Industry Data 5 Number of game developer studios 7 Number of people working in the video games industry 8 Percentage of women working in the industry 9 Main European game dev hubs by the number of employees ...

Cover of European Key Facts 2023

Video Games Europe · 2023

European Key Facts 2023

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the European video game sector in 2023, detailing market health, player demographics, and regulatory priorities. The industry demonstrated resilience with annual revenues reaching €25.7 billion, representing a 5% year-on-year increase. Employment also saw significant growth, with the workforce expanding by nearly 7% to reach approximately 115,000 people across Europe. The data reveals that video games are a mainstream cultural fixture, with 53% of the European population aged 6–64 identifying as players. Contrary to youth-centric stereotypes, the average player age is 31.4 years, and 75% of the gaming population are adults. Women represent 43.5% of the total player base, averaging 6.7 hours of play per week. While smartphones remain the most popular platform (68%), consoles (56%) and PCs (46%) maintain significant engagement. Despite the rise of digital media, average weekly playtime has remained stable for over a decade at approximately 8.9 hours. A central thesis of the findings is the industry’s commitment to social responsibility and self-regulation. The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system celebrated 20 years of operation, with 79% of parents aware of its ratings and 62% actively using parental tools to manage gameplay. Furthermore, the industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and diversity, noting that 44% of new hires in regions like Sweden are women and highlighting energy-saving agreements that have saved 54 TWh of electricity over the lifetime of major consoles. The geographic scope covers the European Union and broader European markets, utilizing data from Ipsos, GameTrack, and Games Sales Data (GSD). Methodology includes online polling of 60,000 individuals across major markets, calibrated by nationally representative face-to-face surveys. Looking forward, the industry advocates for EU policy that recognizes video games as unique creative works, supports a robust talent pipeline through STEAM education, and maintains a fair regulatory framework that avoids distorting the single market.

Cover of Australian Game Development Survey FY 2023

Interactive Games & Entertainment Association · 2023

Australian Game Development Survey FY 2023

The Australian Game Development Survey FY2023 reveals a maturing industry experiencing significant growth in both revenue and employment. Total income generated by local studios reached $345.5 million, a 21% increase over the previous year, while the workforce expanded by 17% to 2,458 full-time equivalent employees. This growth is largely attributed to increased federal and state government support, including the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO), which has bolstered developer confidence and attracted international interest. The sector is heavily export-oriented, with 87% of revenue derived from markets outside of Australia. While the industry is diversifying, it remains concentrated in the eastern states, with Victoria housing 29% of studios and 41% of the workforce. The ecosystem is characterized by a mix of established and emerging entities; 32% of studios have operated for over a decade, yet 45% are five years old or less, and 29% are currently developing their first title. Small businesses dominate the landscape, with 79% of respondents employing fewer than 20 people. Despite this upward trajectory, the industry faces notable headwinds. The primary challenges identified include difficulty hiring staff with specialized technical skills, attracting early-stage development funding, and securing international publishing deals amidst tightening global economic conditions. Nevertheless, 63% of studios intend to hire more staff in the coming year, and 68% predict continued income growth. The findings are based on a survey of 111 Australian game development studios conducted by Bond University on behalf of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA). The data covers the financial year from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and includes metrics on gender diversity, which showed an increase in the representation of women and gender-diverse individuals within the workforce.

Cover of Video Games in Romania 2023

RGDA – Romanian Game Developers Association · 2023

Video Games in Romania 2023

The 2023 analysis of Romania’s video‑game sector presents a comprehensive overview of its economic evolution, workforce expansion, and market concentration over the past decade. It establishes that the industry’s turnover has risen sharply, reaching approximately €6.6 billion in 2023, while the number of active studios grew to 350 and employment climbed to roughly 6 600 people. Online player participation also expanded, with an estimated 7.8 million gamers engaging with Romanian titles or services. Growth trends are detailed year by year from 2014 to 2023, highlighting an overall upward trajectory in revenue and studio count, yet noting a first‑time contraction in 2022 of about 6.6 percent, attributed to a broadly unfavorable global climate and heightened exposure to the service‑sector dynamics that affect the industry more acutely than other creative fields. Geographic distribution shows a pronounced clustering in key urban hubs: Cluj hosts the largest concentration with 36 studios, followed by Iași, which accounts for 17.5 percent of the total, and other significant presences in Bucharest, Timișoara, and Brașov. The report identifies the top thirty studios, which together generate roughly 5 percent of total industry revenue, and lists leading companies such as Electronic Arts Romania, Ubisoft, Amber Studio Brașov, and Playtika, among others. Their individual growth rates vary, with some recording double‑digit percentage increases, underscoring a heterogeneous performance landscape within the sector. The analysis concludes that despite recent headwinds, the Romanian video‑game ecosystem remains a vital and expanding creative economy, but it calls for reinforced educational initiatives, stronger promotion, and strategic support to sustain momentum and mitigate external risks.

Cover of White Paper Catalan Video Game Industry 2023

DEV · 2023

White Paper Catalan Video Game Industry 2023

The 2023 white paper on Catalonia’s video‑game industry presents a detailed assessment of the sector’s economic performance and labour dynamics for the year 2022. It establishes that the regional market generated €709 million in revenue, reflecting a 7.5 percent decline compared with the previous year, while employment rose to 4 619 workers, an increase of 8.7 percent. This juxtaposition of falling turnover and rising headcount suggests a shift toward more labour‑intensive activities, such as development and ancillary services, even as overall sales pressures persist. The analysis situates the sector within Catalonia’s broader creative economy, emphasizing its continued relevance as a source of high‑skill jobs and its capacity to attract talent despite modest revenue contraction. The data underline the resilience of the local ecosystem, which appears to be sustaining employment growth through diversification and possibly increased public or private investment in development capacities. Overall, the findings portray a video‑game industry that, while facing short‑term market headwinds, maintains a solid employment base and remains a pivotal component of Catalonia’s digital and cultural output. The report implies that strategic support and continued innovation could reverse the revenue dip and further strengthen the region’s position in the European gaming landscape.

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