The video game industry has grown to become one of the largest and most profitable entertainment sectors, reaching a record $184 billion in total revenue in 2023.
Despite this, investor confidence is wavering. Similarities have been noted to his 1983 days before the industry's final collapse.
Along with this, the quality of games is also rapidly decreasing. And layoffs are expected to be even worse in 2024 than last year.
It's clear there's a crisis brewing for major video game developers. And, as always, it is the workers who will be forced to pay the price.
attack
It is estimated that more than 11,000 jobs were lost in the video games industry last year, with 900 lost in the UK alone. Already, more than 6,000 jobs have been cut by 2024.
The actual number is definitely much higher. This is because “silent layoffs”, where workers are not fired but instead have their contracts not renewed, are common in the industry.
As with other jobs in the tech industry, the majority of gaming workers work on very casual contracts and at low wages that don't keep up with inflation.
However, gaming officials are not keeping quiet about this. A growing number of gaming industry workers are starting to form unions, following the example of workers in the technology and entertainment sectors, which have recently seen an increase in industrial action.
The Game Workers branch of the IWGB union reported a 50% increase in membership through 2023, with 12% of that increase occurring in October alone.
quality
Serious concerns have also been raised by industry experts and gamers alike about the declining quality of games being released.
One need only look at the countless examples of “blockbuster” games released in recent years broken and unplayable. This has become such a common occurrence that it is now an exception when games are released. please do not I have these problems.
The biggest so-called “AAA” companies, including Electronic Arts, Activision/Bethesda, and Ubisoft, are all using plunder techniques such as “microtransactions” to hook players into buying more “in-game purchases.” He is also notorious for his violent behavior. Create game content to maximize revenue.
Socialism
But the problem isn't just one of a few particularly greedy companies. Under capitalism, video games are a commodity like any other product. For proprietary developers, generating profits is a top priority. Quality and playability issues are far more secondary.
As a result, we're seeing corners cut, games rushed, and workers laid off. Similar to Hollywood, companies play it safe by relying on sequels to existing franchises rather than taking risks on new ideas.
In the video game industry, it's often said how miraculous it is for a game to ever be released. Creating a game takes a huge amount of time, coordination, and planning. Ultimately, no game will ever see the light of day without thousands of developers working on it.
The solution is clear. Large AAA studios should be expropriated and run by the workers themselves. On this basis, the shackles of profit will be broken and the creativity of game developers will be maximized.
Tonight, Wednesday 20th March, from 6.30pm at Mericafe, Newcastle Communists will be calling 'Video Game Layoffs – to help us organize gaming workers against bosses' attacks. We are organizing a public meeting titled “What can we do?” All are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion.
