European studios are anticipated to increase their spending on external talent by 63% in 2025

In 2025, European game development studios allocated 63% more funds to external roles, surpassing the overall global increase rate of 55%.

This information is detailed in the 'Talent Signals Reshaping the Games Industry' document by Values Value's founder and InGame Job's co-founder, Tanja Loktionova.

The past year saw a 24% rise in freelancers partnering with European studios, and globally, freelancers experienced a 19% boost in average earnings.

Almost 60% of studios reported challenges in recruiting adept professionals, and 54.1% of freelancers had difficulties finding suitable work.

Despite the global freelancer income increasing by 19%, around 63% of those freelancers are wary about the uncertainty of their earnings.

In today's job environment, 30% of participants have faced job losses over the past year, with the job-hunting process generally taking about six months to secure new employment.

About 50% of those surveyed are contemplating a job change within the upcoming six months, with fewer than half feeling content in their current employment.

A person with auburn hair pulled into a ponytail, wearing a blue and white plaid shirt, sits at a desk and uses a computer. The screen displays code or a visual design interface. The desk also holds a keyboard, mouse, a printer, a clock, and speakers. — Image credit: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Graph showing job satisfaction rates among developers — Fewer than half of European developers are satisfied with their current roles

Only 26% of individuals felt they were advancing professionally, while 36% sensed a lack of progress. Furthermore, 55% had not participated in any training over the previous year.

Tanja Loktionova commented on these findings, indicating they reflect "a structural signal that the industry has matured beyond its rapid expansion phase and has yet to determine its future trajectory."

The data indicates a trend towards a "two-tier team model" within studios, comprising a "small core of directors and lead personnel safeguarding a franchise's creative direction," who enjoy benefits like "equity, health coverage, and bonuses."

Conversely, the remainder largely consists of "contractors and freelancers brought on for specific periods or projects and released upon their completion," as stated by Loktionova.

The report further highlighted that 61% of European game developers are worried that advances in AI technology will compel them to work more swiftly and efficiently.

Nonetheless, 35% express concern that AI advancements could lead to job losses or reduced demand for their positions.