A real bloodbath. While layoff plans in the video game industry have attracted a little less interest from the media and the general public lately, the number of layoffs and staff cuts are reaching levels unimaginable until ago. a few years. Let’s take stock.
Staggering figures
Raj Patel, marketing and communications director by trade, has made a habit of drawing up a fairly complete inventory of the social carnage underway within the sector. For this, it relies on the layoff plans made public. The expert has just shared a final update on his Bluesky account and it is quite chilling.
There have in fact been more layoffs in the video game sector in 2024 than in the previous two years, although they were very busy in this area. And the 365 days are not yet up.
In detail, 16,766 layoffs were counted (8,706 in 2023), while 182 “social” plans were communicated, compared to 141 last year. Please note that this data can be questioned. As explained by our colleagues from Gamekultwaves of layoffs were announced without specifying the number of jobs affected. If we rely on the GamingLayoffs site, this figure would therefore be a little lower: 14,604 layoffs. A necessary clarification, but which does not change the underlying trend.
Here are the top 5 studios that have made the most layoffs so far since 2021, according to these reports:
- Microsoft: 4,758
- Unity Technologies: 3,115
- Electronic Arts: 2,043
- Perfect World: 2,000
- Sony: 1,767
- Tencent: 1,753
- ByteDance: 1,250
- Caesars Entertainment: 1,200
- Amazon: 1,189
- Embracer Group: 1,132
Raj Patel also underlines: “Remember, industry revenues remain high. These layoffs can devastate entire families. Lifelong careers. Given what has happened so far, it will take the industry over a decade to recover from all of this.”.
We know in particular that, in certain cases, companies part ways with experienced developers. It is therefore a whole know-how that disappears and sometimes the trademark and the soul of these organizations. These damages are not taken into account in the calculations when making decisions.
And in France?
The situation is also tense in France, despite labor laws that are a little more protective for employees than in the United States. To cite just one example, we remember that last October, Don’t Nod announced a “reorganization project” that could affect up to 69 jobs out of 360, or 20% of employees.
Oskar Guilber, the company’s CEO, defended his plan, which is a massive blow to employees: “Despite the actions already taken, the company finds itself forced to consider a reorganization project. I am fully aware of the impact that this project could have for all employees. However, it is now essential to consider such a path given the need to secure our company’s resources.”. To find out more about this, click here.
If you wish to delve deeper into this matter, you can also consult this page which keeps the various layoff plans within the industry up to date.
