Enduring Career Turbulences in Games: Salaries, Layoffs & Well-being

The Big Games Industry Employment Survey 2025 serves as a comprehensive analysis of the European gaming workforce, focusing on the professional challenges and economic realities facing industry employees. The primary objective of the research is to quantify the impact of recent market instability on career longevity, financial compensation, and overall employee well-being. By examining these metrics, the study provides a diagnostic overview of the current state of the industry and identifies emerging trends that are shaping the future of employment within the sector.

Key findings center on the intersection of financial stability and workplace culture. The research evaluates salary structures across various countries, roles, and seniority levels, while also addressing critical issues such as the gender pay gap and shifting employee expectations. Furthermore, the analysis explores the prevalence of layoffs and their tangible effects on the workforce, alongside data regarding overtime, burnout, and general income satisfaction. The scope also extends to modern operational shifts, including the integration of artificial intelligence, the prevalence of performance-based bonuses, and the rise of side projects among industry professionals.

Presented at the 2025 devcom conference, the findings are derived from one of the most extensive studies conducted on the European games industry. By synthesizing these diverse data points, the research offers a professional assessment of how industry-wide turbulence influences individual career trajectories. The resulting insights are intended to help stakeholders understand the evolving landscape of the gaming sector and the specific pressures currently affecting its human capital.