2025 Games Industry Layoffs Show Slight Decline but Remain High

The games industry experienced a slight decline in layoffs in 2025, with 9,175 reported, down from 15,631 in 2024. However, the number remains high, and the industry is expected to see another 7,500 layoffs in 2026. The trend of job opportunities shifting to emerging markets such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia is expected to continue, with North America and Western Europe experiencing a decrease in open roles. Several major studios, including Tencent Games, Microsoft, and Sony, made significant job cuts in 2025, while others, such as Unity and Amazon, also implemented layoffs. The industry is undergoing a geographical shift, with emerging markets becoming increasingly important for game development and publishing.