April 2, 2024
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably wished to be paid for your talents at least once. But is this a sustainable career choice?
The evolution of gaming in the last decade has resulted in the birth of thousands of jobs. What used to be a mere time-killing hobby is now the bread and butter of many. In 2020, the surge in the popularity of gaming caused a boom in career opportunities. People found jobs, but does this mean you should pursue a degree, a course, or a career in gaming in 2024?
The answer depends on many factors. Keep reading if you’re at the crossroads of gaming or a 9-5 work day.
The reality of gaming as a career in 2024
When you opened Hitmarker for job hunting a few years ago, you’d have come across at least half a dozen jobs posted within one day across different niches. In 2024, that is not the case. Those holding posts in the gaming industry are grateful because retaining a job is a challenge, let alone finding a new one.
In 2023 alone, 9,000 employees in gaming were laid off despite the release of multiple AAA titles that bagged millions of dollars in sales. In fact, the conglomerate behind Game of the Year, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hasbro fired 1,000 people. So, it’s not like the layoffs were entirely due to people losing interest in video games after the travel restrictions eased off. The gaming industry, in general, is unsustainable and replaces labor like a game of musical chairs.
The gaming industry runs on ad hoc basics, which is its biggest flaw. At a lower level, esports players barely have contracts bonded by law, and pay delays are a norm at a higher level. The latter is a recurring issue, specifically in esports organizations, where players often complain about not being paid on time. Production and creators frequently have similar complaints as well.
While these issues made the gaming industry challenging, it was still a dream to have a job in gaming. However, returning to our initial premise, never-ending layoffs make it a nightmare. It’s disheartening to see how the layoffs in the game writing and development industry just keep on happening despite the immense amount of talent and effort put in by all those involved.
In 2022, 8,500 gaming workers were laid off, initially attributed to an overextension following the sudden spike in jobs and revenue from 2019-2021. Coupled with global economic turbulence, the layoffs are not stopping, and experts think they’ll only increase in 2024. Living with constant employment uncertainty is far from anyone’s dream, especially when there seems to be no end in sight.
Sure, some fields are more lucrative and reliable than others, but with technological advancements, it’s hard to say if any job can be retained for a long time. More and more developers are relying on AI.
Whether it’s voice acting or visual enhancements, AI has been able to do all of it—maybe with less finesse, but there has been progress. Smaller developers have adapted AI, and AAA developers are gradually catching up. Many in the gaming industry are hesitant to embrace AI, sparking ethical questions for developers. However, this may also change as it becomes more mainstream over time.
Those with a strict no-AI policy are often notorious for their “crunch culture,” where employees are expected to work long hours, often without overtime pay, to meet tight deadlines. It’s also worth mentioning pay here. Many entry-level positions offer relatively low income compared to other tech-related fields. This can make it difficult for individuals to support themselves financially, especially in areas with high living costs.
A job in gaming remains a pipe dream in theory. But with the current conditions, it’s highly recommended that individuals expand their niche while following their passion for gaming. The good news is that almost all gaming skills are easily transferable unless you’re a professional athlete. Journalists, designers, voice actors, and developers may find it easier to switch careers if things go sideways quickly. But again, it’s pretty tricky to work a boring 9-5 after following your passion for gaming.
If you can ignore these flaws and have the flexibility to take the risk, gaming is still a dream industry for those who grew up playing games. Good news is, changes are on the horizon and hopefully, in the future, our industry will be a healthier place.