European Game Industry Faces Significant Job Insecurity, with Over 26% of Professionals Laid Off in the Past Year

More than a quarter of European game developers have experienced layoffs in the past year, with 10.4% still seeking new employment opportunities. According to the latest Big Games Industry Employment Survey, game designers, artists, and QA specialists were among the most affected by job cuts. The survey also revealed that those in creative professions feel the least secure in their roles, while those in analytics, HR, and top management reported the highest sense of job security. The number of professionals who changed jobs voluntarily decreased from 23.2% to 17.5%, while involuntary employment rose, with 10.4% reporting they were laid off and currently unemployed. The survey found that 15% of respondents are still searching for jobs, with 18% of programmers taking a year or more to find new roles. Overall, 13% of game developers left the industry in 2025, with those in marketing having the highest exit rate. The most important factors for professionals when seeking new employment were salary level, work format, and work-life balance. The survey highlighted continued discrepancies in median salaries between EU and non-EU nations, with salaries for programmers dropping by almost half due to limited job opportunities. The report also noted a decline in salary satisfaction across most seniority levels, with women experiencing a significant gender pay gap. The study found that women tend to ask for lower salaries than men in similar roles, reflecting structural inequality and differences in self-perception and negotiation confidence. The report also highlighted a negative trend in diversity and inclusion initiatives, with many employers not prioritizing these efforts. Despite this, the use of AI in the game development process has increased, with 63% of EU respondents and 69% of non-EU respondents finding it helpful. The survey's founder noted that the industry is experiencing a growing sense of instability, with a quarter of respondents experiencing layoffs and 13% leaving the industry entirely. The report concluded that the industry's accumulated fatigue is becoming tangible, with loyalty and engagement dropping and job insecurity rising.