Hasty Briefsbeta

One in four video game developers laid off over the past two years

6 days ago
  • #layoffs
  • #game-industry
  • #employment-trends
  • One in four game developers experienced layoffs in the past two years.
  • 17% of professionals were laid off in the past year, with an additional 11% the year prior.
  • 28% of respondents faced layoffs in two years, rising to 33% for U.S.-based workers.
  • Game designers reported the highest layoff rates; business operations had the lowest.
  • 48% of laid-off developers are still seeking reemployment, including 36% from over a year ago.
  • Half of respondents' employers conducted layoffs in the past year.
  • 47% of employed respondents don’t anticipate more layoffs, while 23% expect further cuts.
  • 43% blamed layoffs on restructuring, 38% on budget cuts, and 32% on project cancellations.
  • Some respondents criticized leadership for poor decisions, like overexpansion during COVID.