Link: New survey reports one in 10 game developers have lost their jobs in 2024

In 2024, one in ten game developers lost their jobs, highlighting the industry's instability. These job cuts affected a total of 41% of survey respondents in some manner, either directly or through the layoffs of close colleagues.

The primary causes for these layoffs, as cited by companies, were restructuring and declining revenues. Interestingly, despite growing revenues, major companies like Microsoft and Sony continued to lay off staff, prompting 13% of respondents to attribute job cuts to corporate greed.

The game industry's rapid expansion during the pandemic led to an eventual surplus of staff and studios as the demand for video games decreased post-pandemic. This resulted in numerous layoffs, which some developers blame on poor planning and over-expansion.

Aside from layoffs, the survey also touched on the difficulties of launching successful live-service games amidst market giants like Fortnite and Roblox. Only a few new entries, like Marvel Rivals, have seen success in this overcrowded market.

In contrast, smaller single-player games such as Balatro, Animal Well, and Astro Bot have captured significant attention and acclaim. This suggests a shifting preference among gamers towards titles with a more focused scope.

The oversaturation of the market was a significant concern among developers, many of whom struggle to establish a substantial player base for new games. This reflects the harsh realities of competing in a highly saturated video game market. #

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