Majority of Video Game Job Cuts Happening in California

Amir Satvat, the award-winning Tencent executive behind the Amir Satvat’s Games Community, shared some eye-opening insights on the current state of the video game job market in a recent interview. With his extensive data collection and analysis, Satvat painted a detailed picture of the shifting landscape for anyone looking to break into the gaming industry.

The data revealed that job cuts in the video game industry have hit North America the hardest, with California bearing over 50% of the global cuts. While the industry has seen overall employment increases since pre-COVID, AAA studios in North America have experienced significant workforce reductions. In contrast, parts of Asia have seen job growth in the sector.

For those aspiring to work in the video game industry, flexibility is key. Satvat emphasized the importance of being open to opportunities in other regions like China and Japan, even if only for a period of time, as the industry continues to evolve.

Additionally, the shift away from remote working has impacted job vacancies, with the number of remote roles decreasing significantly. While there is a trend towards employing contractors and freelancers, the percentage of advertised freelance roles has seen a decline, highlighting the competitiveness of the market for job seekers.

Satvat also shared some sobering statistics for those looking to enter the gaming industry. While job prospects are relatively higher for individuals with engineering and programming backgrounds, those interested in game design face tougher odds. Writers and narrative-focused roles have even slimmer chances of securing positions in the industry.

Despite these challenges, Satvat remains optimistic about the future of the video game industry, pointing out opportunities in co-development and ex-development sectors. He believes that the industry has immense potential for growth and could become the dominant entertainment medium of the next century. While navigating the job market may be tough, having the right skills and adaptability can open doors to exciting career prospects.

Satvat’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of the video game job market and offer valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the industry.