Farhan Noor, a technical artist, has been diligently tracking confirmed job cuts in the video game industry through his website, Video Games Layoffs, since the beginning of the previous year. According to the data available, approximately 10,500 individuals working in the game industry lost their jobs in 2023. As of the current date, the estimated total for 2024, according to the same source, is already at 3,770.
However, the recent announcement by Microsoft detailing the layoff of 1,900 employees from its video game division will significantly impact these figures. When this update is incorporated, the total layoffs for 2024 will already amount to at least 5,670, representing 54% of the total layoffs in 2023. Microsoft’s decision to reduce its gaming division’s workforce by around 8%, affecting approximately 1,900 employees out of its 22,000-member team, was disclosed recently.
Furthermore, Riot Games also confirmed layoffs affecting about 530 staff members, constituting roughly 11% of its total workforce. Earlier in the month, Unity revealed plans to cut 25% of its workforce, resulting in the termination of 1,800 employees. This announcement has contributed to the notable increase in the total number of layoffs in the industry this year.
A recent survey conducted by the Game Developers Conference (GDC) revealed that around a third of developers acknowledged being impacted by layoffs within their workplaces over a 12-month period.
Out of the 3,000 developers surveyed, 35% reported experiencing layoffs during this period, with 7% being personally laid off, 17% witnessing layoffs within their departments, and 11% observing layoffs in other teams or departments.
