European Gaming Industry Witnesses Significant Layoffs, with Over 26% of Professionals Affected

More than a quarter of European game developers experienced layoffs between 2024 and 2025, resulting in 10.4% still seeking new employment opportunities. The Big Games Industry Employment Survey, conducted by InGame Job and Values Value, reveals that game designers, artists, and QA specialists were the most affected by these layoffs. Professionals in creative fields reported feeling the least secure in their roles, in contrast to those in analytics, HR, and top management, who reported the highest sense of job security. The survey also found a decline in voluntary job changes, from 23.2% to 17.5%, while involuntary employment rose, with 10.4% of respondents reporting they were laid off and currently unemployed. Furthermore, 15% of respondents are still searching for jobs, with 18% of programmers requiring a year or more to find new roles. The exit rate from the industry was highest among marketing professionals, at 24%, and junior-level employees, at 39%. The primary factors for professionals when seeking new employers were salary level, at 87%, followed by work format and work-life balance, both at 59%. According to Values Value founder Tanja Loktionova, 'job searches are taking longer, and in some roles, people are accepting less favorable conditions, such as lower salaries or downgraded positions.' The survey highlights continued salary discrepancies between EU and non-EU nations, with programmers' salaries dropping by almost half due to limited job opportunities. The report also notes a decline in overall salary satisfaction, particularly among entry-level and mid-level specialists, and a persistent gender pay gap, with women underrepresented in leadership and high-paying technical roles. The study found that women tend to ask for lower salaries than their male counterparts, reflecting structural inequality and differences in self-perception and negotiation confidence. Additionally, the report highlights a negative trend in diversity and inclusion initiatives, with a significant increase in companies lacking dedicated D&I specialists. On a positive note, the use of AI has doubled over the past two years, with 63% of EU and 69% of non-EU respondents finding it helpful. However, the overall sense of instability in the games industry workforce is growing, with a quarter of respondents experiencing layoffs and 13% leaving the industry entirely. As Loktionova notes, 'the industry's accumulated fatigue is becoming tangible, with loyalty and engagement dropping and job insecurity rising.'