Around 21% of European Games Professionals Have Been Laid Off in the Past Year

The Big Games Industry Employment Survey, conducted by Values Value and InGame Job, reveals significant instability within the European gaming sector. Between 2023 and 2024, approximately 21% of industry professionals in Europe experienced layoffs. Of those affected, 15% successfully transitioned into new roles within the industry, while 6.2% remained unemployed at the time of the survey. Furthermore, 10% of displaced workers opted to leave the games industry entirely for employment in other sectors.

The research, which gathered data from 1,832 respondents across more than 50 European countries between March and June 2024, identifies specific vulnerabilities in the workforce. Roles in human resources, recruitment, quality assurance, and art were disproportionately affected by staff reductions. There is a notable correlation between these high-turnover roles and stagnant or declining salary levels, particularly for junior staff and senior-level HR and recruitment specialists. While median salaries generally increased across the industry, these specific segments saw year-on-year decreases.

Beyond employment trends, the survey highlights persistent challenges regarding workplace culture, with burnout, unprofessional management, and poor work-life balance cited as primary drivers of job dissatisfaction. The industry also shows a growing reliance on technology, with 54% of developers reporting the integration of AI into their daily workflows, a significant increase from 37% in the previous year. Additionally, the data underscores a continued prevalence of remote work, with 57% of EU-based companies and 75% of non-EU European companies maintaining remote operations. These findings collectively illustrate a complex landscape defined by economic volatility, shifting labor demands, and evolving operational practices.