The Games Industry is Hurting, and a New Survey Shows Just How Bad It Is
The past few years have been brutal for the video game industry, with a constant stream of layoff announcements from studios big and small. While we’ve seen the headlines, a new report has put a number on the crisis in Europe, and it’s staggering. According to the Big Games Industry Employment Survey, more than one in four (26%) game professionals in Europe were laid off in the past year. The data paints a bleak picture of an industry grappling with instability, burnout, and a talent exodus.
The survey, conducted by career platform InGame Job and recruitment firm Values Value, gathered responses from 1,650 professionals across 85 countries. It confirms what many have feared: the wave of layoffs that began in 2022 is having a deep and lasting impact on the lives of the people who create the games we love.
A Look at the Sobering Statistics
The headline figure of 26% is shocking enough, but diving into the details reveals the full extent of the problem. The instability isn’t spread evenly, with certain roles bearing the brunt of the cuts.
- Creative Roles Hit Hardest: Game designers, artists, and QA specialists were the most affected by the layoffs, feeling the least secure in their positions.
- A Lingering Job Hunt: Of those laid off, 10.4% are still searching for a new job. The report found that job searches are taking longer, with some programmers reporting hunts that last a year or more.
- The Great Resignation: The instability is pushing people out of the industry entirely. 13% of respondents said they left games for good in 2025. Marketing professionals had the highest exit rate at 24%.
- A Crisis for Juniors: The future of the industry is at risk, as entry-level talent is being squeezed out. A devastating 39% of junior-level workers left the games industry between 2024 and 2025.
In stark contrast, those in analytics, HR, and top management reported the highest levels of job security, highlighting a growing divide between corporate and creative roles.
The Human Cost of the Crisis
Beyond the numbers, the survey sheds light on the toll this is taking on the workforce. Financial anxiety is rampant, with 87% of professionals listing salary as their top priority. This is compounded by the fact that many who find new jobs are forced to accept less favorable conditions, such as lower pay or a demotion in title.
Burnout is also at a critical level, with a full 50% of all respondents reporting that they are suffering from it. This climate of fear and exhaustion is creating a precarious environment for the creative talent that the industry relies on. “Job searches are taking longer, and in some roles…we’re seeing a trend of people accepting less favorable conditions when changing jobs, like lower salaries or downgraded positions,” said Tanja Loktionova, a co-founder of InGame Job.
What’s Driving the Turmoil?
The layoffs are part of a larger, global correction in the tech and entertainment sectors after a period of rapid, pandemic-fueled growth. From 2022 through mid-2025, an estimated 45,000 jobs were lost in the games industry worldwide. The survey also points to the rise of AI as a contributing factor to the anxiety. While 63% of developers in the EU are now using AI tools and finding them helpful, the technology is also seen as a potential threat to job security in creative fields.
The report also found that efforts toward diversity and inclusion are falling by the wayside. The number of companies without a dedicated D&I specialist has increased by 67% since 2023, suggesting that in tough times, these initiatives are among the first to be cut.
Conclusion
The Big Games Industry Employment Survey is a sobering wake-up call. It’s a clear signal that the current model is unsustainable for the talented individuals who make up the industry’s backbone. The loss of junior talent, in particular, poses a long-term threat to innovation and the future supply of senior developers. For the industry to have a healthy future, something has to change to provide more stability, security, and support for its most valuable resource: its people.
FAQs
What was the main finding of the survey?
The survey found that over 26% of European game professionals were laid off in the past year (2024-2025), and more than 10% of them are still looking for a job.
Which job roles were most affected by the layoffs?
Creative roles such as game designers, artists, and Quality Assurance (QA) specialists were hit the hardest by the wave of layoffs.
How has this crisis impacted junior developers?
The impact has been severe. The survey revealed that 39% of junior-level workers left the games industry entirely between 2024 and 2025, creating concerns about a future skills shortage.
Are people leaving the games industry altogether?
Yes. The survey found that 13% of all respondents have left the industry in 2025. The exit rate was highest among marketing professionals, at 24%.
What are the biggest concerns for developers right now?
According to the survey, salary is the top priority for 87% of professionals. Widespread burnout is another major issue, with half of all respondents reporting that they suffer from it.
Who conducted this survey?
The Big Games Industry Employment Survey was conducted by the online career platform InGame Job and the recruitment expert Values Value.