European Games Industry Sees 21% Layoff Rate in the Past Year

A recent survey by Values Value and InGame Job reveals that approximately 15% of European games industry workers were laid off and have since secured new positions, while 6.2% remain unemployed. The Big Games Industry Employment Survey, conducted annually, also notes that 10% of games professionals in Europe have transitioned to roles in other industries. The study highlights that certain positions, including HR, recruitment, QA, and art roles, were more susceptible to layoffs. Additionally, the survey found discrepancies in median salaries between EU and non-EU nations, with some roles experiencing a decline in salaries. According to Tanja Loktionova, founder of Values Value and co-founder of InGame Job, 'some positions have seen a significant drop in salaries compared to 2023, particularly for senior-level HR professionals, recruiters, QA specialists, and juniors.' The report also sheds light on the gender pay gap and the most common reasons for job dissatisfaction, including burnout, unprofessional management, and poor work-life balance. Remote work remains prevalent, with 57% of EU companies and 75% of non-EU European companies adopting this practice. Furthermore, 54% of game developers reported using AI in their daily work, up from 37% the previous year. The survey, which spanned over 50 European countries and gathered 1,832 responses, provides valuable insights into the current state of the European games industry.