2026 games layoffs: what the number means for your search
ASGC's tracker records 10,977 confirmed games-industry layoffs in 2026, counted from January 1 to October 20, with data as of October 2026. If you're looking for work, use that number as context for a focused search.
This page explains what the total includes, where it needs careful reading, and what you can do this week. Start with the context, then choose a next step you can finish.
Updated: November 3, 2026. Data as of October 2026.
The number, in plain terms
This page uses the tracker's figures as published. Each row below links its source and gives the month the data is as of.
The numbers, with sources
| Figure | What it is | Source and data as of |
|---|---|---|
| 10,977 | Confirmed layoffs from January 1 to October 20, 2026, called "actuals" | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 9,197 | Full-year layoffs in 2025 | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 15,631 | Full-year layoffs in 2024, which ASGC calls the peak year | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 10,500 | Full-year layoffs in 2023 | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 8,500 | Full-year layoffs in 2022 | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 2,100 | Forecast additional layoffs from October 21 to December 31, 2026 | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 13,077 | Projected full-year total for 2026, not a counted total | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 13,812 | Previous projected full-year total, dated September 28, 2026 | ASGC, October 2026 |
| 735, or 5.3% | Reduction from the previous projected full-year total | ASGC, October 2026 |
| About 49% and about 38% | Share of all 2026 layoffs in the 5 largest events and in the 2 largest events, respectively, from January 1 to October 20, 2026 | ASGC, October 2026 |
The count so far is already above the full-year totals for 2025, 2023 and 2022, and below 2024, according to ASGC's tracker (data as of October 2026). When you read a comparison, check whether it covers part of a year or a full year.
ASGC describes the pace this way: "The pace of layoffs is moderating, with 10,977 confirmed through Oct 20 and a softening forecast." Source: ASGC's tracker (data as of October 2026). Treat that as context for your planning, then return to the roles that fit your experience.
Keep the actuals and forecast separate. The projected total includes an estimate of future layoffs, so don't repeat it as a count of people already laid off. For your next application, check the live listings on the jobs board, linked in the section below.
How to read it without panic
- A layoff total is not your personal odds. It doesn't tell you whether a particular team needs your skills or how an employer will assess your application. Choose a role type where you can show relevant work clearly.
- A few large events drive much of the total. The 5 largest events account for about 49% of layoffs, and the 2 largest account for about 38%, according to ASGC's tracker (data as of October 2026). Read each opportunity on its own terms before deciding whether to apply.
- Numbers get revised. ASGC explains that changes between forecasts can reflect new layoffs and refinements to past figures as better data arrives. Check the latest tracker update before sharing a figure.
This is a record of industry events, not a forecast of your career. Give yourself a specific next task, such as tailoring a portfolio introduction to a role you're considering.
What to do with it this week
- If you've just lost your job, start with Laid Off From a Gaming Studio. Work through the immediate practical steps before trying to tackle your whole search.
- Write down your target role, level, location and working arrangements. Use those criteria to decide which listings deserve your time.
- Search live listings on the jobs board: remote roles, junior roles or studios hiring this week. Read the requirements and application details before preparing your application.
- Match your resume and portfolio to a role you want to pursue. Make the relevant work easy to find and explain what you contributed.
- Contact someone you already know with a clear request. Tell them what work you're looking for and ask whether they can suggest a relevant contact.
- Use the free 14-day plan in the signup card at the end of this page if you want a structure to follow. Choose the next task you can complete today.
Where this data comes from
The source is the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker, run by the Amir Satvat Games Community.
"Actuals" means the confirmed layoffs ASGC has counted for the year so far. "Forecast" means its estimate of additional layoffs during the remaining period. The projected full-year total combines the actuals and forecast.
This page is a summary, not the tracker. I refresh the figure here monthly, with the page's update date shown at the top. Use the tracker to check for changes between refreshes.
ASGC's counts can change. Its explanation of forecast revisions includes both new layoffs and refinements to earlier figures as better data arrives. If you share a number, include its source and data-as-of month so someone else can check it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games industry layoffs have there been in 2026?
ASGC's tracker records 10,977 confirmed layoffs from January 1 to October 20, 2026 (data as of October 2026). That is already above the full-year totals for 2025, 2023 and 2022, and below 2024, according to ASGC (data as of October 2026). Use the confirmed count when discussing layoffs that have happened, and keep the forecast separate.
Is 2026 worse than 2025 for games layoffs?
By the recorded layoff count, 2026 so far is higher: 10,977 compared with 9,197 for all of 2025, according to ASGC's tracker (data as of October 2026). That compares part of the current year with a full previous year. Use it to understand the scale, then assess the requirements of each role you're considering.
Does a high layoff number mean I should stop applying?
No, the total doesn't tell you your chances for a particular role. Check the live listings on the jobs board, linked in the "What to do with it this week" section above, then apply where your experience fits the work. If the search feels difficult to manage, choose a small task you can finish today.
Where does this number come from and how often is it updated?
It comes from the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker, run by the Amir Satvat Games Community. I refresh this summary monthly and show the page's update date at the top. ASGC can revise its counts and forecasts, so check the tracker for its latest update before quoting a figure.