Quarter of European Game Developers Laid Off as Salary Becomes Top Job Motivator

The European games industry workforce is experiencing a significant period of instability, according to the latest Big Games Industry Employment Survey conducted by InGame Job and Values Value. The report reveals that over a quarter of game developers in Europe experienced layoffs in 2024/25, with 10.4% of those still actively searching for new roles.

Findings highlight a clear shift in the job market, characterized by job insecurity, a sharp drop in voluntary job changes, and the rise of salary as the primary factor when choosing an employer.

The increase in involuntary job loss is evident: the percentage of unemployed respondents who were laid off rose from 6.2% in the 2024 survey to 10.4% this year. Furthermore, the rate of developers who changed jobs voluntarily dropped significantly, from 23.2% to 17.5%. Job searches are taking longer, with 15% of all respondents still looking for work. Programmers reported the most extended search times, with 18% needing a year or more to find a new role.

Data pinpoints which roles were most affected:

• Most Affected Roles: Game designers, artists, and QA specialists were hit hardest by the layoffs. Developers in creative professions also reported the lowest sense of job security.
• Highest Exit Rate: Overall, 13% of game developers left the industry in 2025. Those in marketing had the highest exit rate (24%), while the churn among junior-level professionals was the most severe, with 39% leaving the industry between 2024 and 2025.
• Most Secure Roles: Conversely, those in analytics, HR/recruitment, and top management reported the “highest sense of job security.”

The current job climate has fundamentally reshaped developers’ priorities. Salary level has now surpassed traditional motivators like exciting projects and growth opportunities, becoming the single most important factor for 87% of professionals when seeking a new employer. Work format (remote/hybrid/office) and work-life balance tied for second place at 59% each.

Games industry also continues to struggle with structural issues, particularly regarding the gender pay gap. Women remain underrepresented in leadership and high-paying technical roles, contributing to lower average salaries. The data suggests women tend to ask for less compensation as their expected salaries are, on average, lower than those stated by male respondents in similar roles.

Adding to the concerning structural trends, the report highlighted a negative trend in diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. The percentage of respondents reporting that their company has no dedicated D&I specialist has increased by 67% since 2023, suggesting these efforts are not a priority for many employers.

In a bright spot of technological change, AI adoption has doubled over the past two years, reaching 63% in the EU and 69% in non-EU regions. The number of developers who have never used AI, and don’t plan to, has dropped by more than a third since 2023. This indicates that skepticism is declining, with AI increasingly viewed as a practical tool rather than a threat.