Games Industry Employment Survey: Europe 2025

The European games industry is currently navigating a period of profound instability, characterized by widespread layoffs and a significant exodus of talent. Over the past year, 26% of professionals have faced involuntary unemployment, with junior-level staff suffering a disproportionate 39% exit rate. This volatility is driven by a transition from rapid market expansion to a focus on operational optimization, further complicated by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. While 63% to 69% of the workforce now utilizes AI for core tasks, this shift has fostered deep-seated skepticism among creative and quality assurance roles regarding long-term job security and the potential devaluation of human expertise.

Financial dissatisfaction has become a defining feature of the current landscape, exacerbated by salary freezes, reduced bonuses, and a persistent gender pay gap. With over a third of companies eliminating financial bonuses entirely, salary has emerged as the primary motivator for 87% of employees. This economic pressure, combined with a lack of structured support—such as the absence of dedicated diversity and inclusion specialists in 67% of firms—has contributed to a sharp decline in employee engagement. Burnout, affecting up to 63% of the workforce, and ineffective management are now the leading drivers for professionals considering career changes or leaving the industry altogether.

Despite these challenges, the workforce remains committed to hybrid work models, though a growing disconnect exists between employee preferences for flexibility and actual workplace mandates. Relocation trends have shifted toward a pragmatic focus on cost-of-living stability rather than traditional geographic mobility. As the industry matures, the data underscores a critical need for improved management practices and better alignment between organizational goals and employee well-being to mitigate the ongoing loss of talent and restore professional morale across the European sector.