A new survey conducted by the Game Developers Conference (GDC) revealed that one-third of U.S. video game industry workers reported being laid off within the past two years, according to the 2026 State of the Game Industry Report.
The report gathered responses from over 2,300 industry professionals, with customized questionnaires ensuring developers, marketers, and executives answered relevant questions. On a global scale, the layoff rate reported by respondents decreased slightly to 28% over the same two-year period, as reported by Variety.com.
Furthermore, half of all surveyed professionals indicated that their current or most recent employer implemented layoffs within the preceding twelve months. AAA studios experienced the highest impact, with two-thirds of respondents at those companies confirming internal layoffs, compared to one-third at indie studios.
The survey captured a snapshot of sentiment regarding labor organization, finding that 82% of U.S.-based respondents support the unionization of game industry workers. Opposition to union efforts registered at only five percent, with thirteen percent remaining undecided.
Support for unionization was notably higher among the most vulnerable segments of the workforce. Eighty-eight percent of those laid off in the past two years favored unionization, as did 87% of workers earning under $200,000 annually.
This data release precedes the GDC Festival of Gaming, scheduled for March 9 through 13 in San Francisco, where organizers have expanded the event structure to encompass a broader segment of the industry. The full report also examines adoption rates and sentiment surrounding generative AI.
These findings underscore significant ongoing economic pressures within the interactive entertainment sector, despite high levels of creative output and consumer engagement. The data provides critical context for industry leaders heading into the major spring conference.
The report offers comprehensive analysis on business pressures, development priorities, and emerging trends, providing industry stakeholders with essential metrics for the current fiscal cycle.
