Game developers faced a challenging year in 2023, with both exciting new releases in Baldur’s Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as well as surprise hits like Lethal Company and Hi-Fi Rush. Unfortunately, 2023 was also marked by almost weekly layoffs, resulting in at least 6,000 lost jobs across the industry.
If you work in games, it’s likely that someone you know has been affected, and the outlook for 2024 is also uncertain. Just this month (January 2024), Riot Games cut 11% of their workforce (530 people), and One Player Mission, one of the biggest games-focused recruitment firms in the UK, closed down after 26 years.
All is not lost.
While the following numbers don’t quite account for the number of jobs lost, many companies will be re-evaluating their needs and perhaps analysing their recruitment strategy a little more closely before ramping up recruitment again in the near future.
According to Games Jobs Direct, the #1 job board in the industry, there are currently over 600 active game industry roles in the UK alone. TTK Games, founded by ex-DICE veterans, has an incredible opportunity for those looking to work on a brand new, next-gen online shooter game. The catch? The position requires relocation to either Stockholm or Gothenburg, Sweden.
For those looking for international opportunities, Wargaming has over 198 active roles across their global offices, with their headquarters based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Moon Active, a top contender in the mobile games space, is currently hiring for over 100 active roles worldwide.
These are but a few of the positive signs for the future, and while we focus on the UK & EU here at N-Gin, we appreciate and contribute to the global community of gamers and game industry professionals.
Below are some useful resources for those affected by the recent layoffs or simply curious about active opportunities within the industry. These resources are always free and updated weekly.
https://shorturl.at/dLPTW – (Credit: Amir Satvat and the wider gaming community).
Let’s stick together during these polarising times. The constant layoffs have been challenging for everyone involved, and regardless of your position within the industry, we can all make an impact, and strive for progress.