The number of freelance game developers in the UK has tripled due to layoffs and studio shutdowns
Core Statistics:
- By May 2024, 12.7% of the UK's gaming workforce was freelance, up from 4.4% in April 2023
- UK gaming industry employment reached 28,516
- 248 companies shut down or left the gaming sector throughout the period studied
- Full-time job growth had its slowest annual rate since 2012
Between April 2023 and May 2024, the UK saw a significant rise in freelance professionals within the gaming industry, tripling in number.
Research from the UK trade association TIGA indicates that 3,625 game developers were working as contractors by May 2024 compared to 1,102 in the previous April.
The total number of workers in the gaming sector increased to 28,516 by May 2024 from 25,026 in April 2023, marking a 13.9% uplift, according to the Making Games in the UK 2024 report.
TIGA noted that freelancers constituted 12.7% of the gaming workforce by May 2024, up from 4.4% in April 2023.
The number of full-time positions was recorded at 25,419 as of May 2024, reflecting a 4.8% increase, the slowest annual growth in this field since 2012, as per TIGA's findings.
Despite some companies closing or reducing their size, expansions within other gaming companies balanced out these reductions. TIGA remarked that 400 companies cut 2,353 full-time development jobs, yet 678 companies hired 3,932 new full-time developers between April 2023 and May 2024. Additionally, 1,070 companies maintained their employment levels.
The total number of games companies decreased slightly from 2,175 in April 2023 to 2,148 by May 2024, with the majority being game studios, namely 1,697 developers, still operational by May 2024.
TIGA reported that the closure or industry exit of 248 companies marked an all-time high.
Regarding regional trends, London saw the most substantial growth with 468 new employees in the year leading up to May 2024, followed by the North East, which added 280, and the North West with 247.
Richard Wilson, TIGA's CEO, explained: "Several factors have led to the surge in freelancers within the UK games development scene. Workforce downsizing and restructuring by studios and publishers have prompted many employees to transition to freelance work. Additionally, more contractors are being engaged for co-development tasks and roles like quality assurance."
He also pointed out that freelancing is much more prevalent in industries like TV and film, where nearly 40% work on a contract basis, and noted, "It's positive to see professionals affected by studio layoffs still contributing to the industry, albeit in different capacities."
This report surveyed 2,148 operational companies and 238 that had been dissolved or exited the industry.
