Game Developers Face Layoffs and Ethical Concerns over AI

Despite Challenges, Industry Forecasts Suggest Steady Growth and Increasing Support for Unionization

Game Developers Conference survey reveals that 7% of game developers were laid off in 2023, impacting 35% of the industry.
56% of developers are concerned about potential layoffs in the next 12 months, with quality assurance developers being the hardest hit.
Generative AI is being used in game development, with 49% of developers reporting its use in their companies, but 84% express ethical concerns, particularly if it leads to more layoffs.
Despite layoffs, industry forecasts suggest steady growth through 2027, indicating that employment should stabilize.
Support for unionization among game developers is growing, with 57% in favor, citing the rise in layoffs, crunch, and large-scale media acquisitions as reasons.