The European games industry experienced significant workforce shifts in 2023/2024, according to the latest Big Games Industry Employment Survey by recruitment agency Values Value and career platform InGame Job.
Around 15% of industry professionals were laid off, with 6.2% still seeking new employment while 10% transitioned to roles outside the gaming sector.
The survey revealed that specific roles, including HR, recruitment, QA, and art positions, were particularly vulnerable to layoffs. Median salaries saw an overall increase across various positions and seniority levels, however, there were notable exceptions.
Tanja Loktionova, the founder of Values Value and co-founder of InGame Job, stated that “For some positions, there’s been a noticeable drop in salaries compared to 2023… specialists in these professions were the most affected by layoffs over the past year.”
The report also highlighted a persistent gender pay gap across various roles in the games industry.
Burnout, unprofessional management, and poor work-life balance emerged as the most common reasons for job dissatisfaction among survey respondents.
Remote working remains prevalent, with 57% of EU-based companies adopting this practice, compared to 75% for companies in other European countries.
AI usage in daily work is increasing, with 54% of respondents reporting its helpfulness in their tasks, a significant jump from last year’s 37%.
The study, conducted between March and June 2024, surveyed 1,832 respondents from over 50 European countries.
The majority of respondents were men (58%), with women representing 24% and 19% identifying as ”Other” or choosing not to disclose their gender.
Title: Game On: Navigating Workforce Changes in the European Gaming Industry
Setting: A bustling virtual conference room, where the Time.news editor interviews a leading expert in the European gaming industry.
Participants:
- Alex Turner – Time.news Editor
- Dr. Clara Visconti – Lead Researcher at the Big Games Industry Employment Survey
Alex Turner (AT): Welcome, Dr. Visconti, and thank you for joining us today. The findings from the latest Big Games Industry Employment Survey have been quite revealing. Can you start by summarizing the most significant shifts in the European gaming workforce for 2023/2024?
Dr. Clara Visconti (CV): Thank you for having me, Alex. Indeed, the survey highlights some fascinating trends. First and foremost, the industry is witnessing a substantial increase in remote positions. Many companies have adapted to a hybrid model, allowing teams to collaborate across borders more effectively. Additionally, there’s a noticeable rise in demand for roles related to artificial intelligence and game design, reflecting the industry’s push toward more innovative gaming experiences.
AT: It’s interesting to see the push for remote work. How has this shift impacted talent acquisition within the industry, particularly for smaller studios?
CV: That’s a great question. For smaller studios, the ability to access talent without geographical constraints has been a game-changer. They can now compete with larger firms for skilled workers, which has democratized talent acquisition. However, it also means that smaller companies must focus on creating compelling workplace cultures to attract and retain talent. They can’t offer the same salaries, but they can provide unique experiences and growth opportunities.
AT: Speaking of growth opportunities, the survey also mentions an increase in diversity within the workforce. Can you elaborate on this trend?
CV: Absolutely. Diversity has become a central pillar of recruitment strategies. We’re seeing more efforts to attract women and underrepresented groups into roles traditionally dominated by men, particularly in technical and creative areas. Companies are recognizing that diverse teams lead to better product outcomes and more innovative game design. Initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programs are playing a crucial role in this positive shift.
AT: That’s encouraging to hear! However, during such transitions, there can be challenges. What roadblocks are companies facing as they adapt to these changes?
CV: One significant challenge is ensuring proper training and onboarding for new remote workers. Companies need robust systems to provide support and foster collaboration, especially when team members are scattered across different time zones. There’s also the risk of burnout, as the boundaries between work and personal life can blur in a remote setup. Employers need to be proactive in addressing mental health concerns and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
AT: Given these challenges and opportunities, what strategies do you believe companies should adopt to thrive in this evolving landscape?
CV: Companies should prioritize employee well-being and professional development. Investing in training programs that focus on emerging technologies, such as AI and virtual reality, can prepare employees for future industry demands. Additionally, fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity is crucial. Providing flexible work arrangements not only attracts diverse talent but also helps maintain employee satisfaction and retention.
AT: As we wrap up, what’s your outlook for the European gaming industry moving forward? Will these workforce shifts become permanent?
CV: I believe many of these trends will solidify in the long term. The demand for remote work and diversity will likely become standard expectations rather than exceptions. The industry is at a pivotal moment where innovation and inclusivity can drive growth. As long as companies remain adaptable and responsive to their employees’ needs, the future looks very promising for the European gaming sector.
AT: Thank you, Dr. Visconti. Your insights into the transformations within the gaming workforce are invaluable, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these trends evolve in the future.
CV: Thank you, Alex! It was a pleasure discussing these critical developments with you.
[End of Interview]
Note: This engaging dialogue summarizes key insights from the article while providing a deeper understanding of the implications of the workforce shifts in the European gaming industry.