The state of finding work in the Finnish gaming industry is miserable. Rovio announced layoffs as its puzzle game Angry Birds Dreamblast failed to meet expectations. The CEO of Remedy stepped down after their newest title FBC: Firebreak flopped on release. Ubisoft RedLynx is planning to “restructure” the company, placing up to 60 employees at risk of losing their jobs. All of this, just during October of 2025. It’s a continuation of what has been going on for the past couple of years – a long list of depressing news for those looking to work in the field.
The layoff mayhem has hit nearly every major studio in the game development scene. For a player, such uncertainty may show as delays in game production and in the worst case, as a complete cancellation of an anticipated game. For people whose livelihoods depend on the game companies, it has been an extremely difficult time with no major improvements in sight. But is everything as hopeless as it seems?
IGDA Finland – The emotional support network
The gaming community is undoubtedly passionate about video games and any related phenomena, but surprisingly many have never heard of IGDA. It’s fair considering a large part of game development happens in the background, and networking is done through events that may fly under the radar for those who are not professionally involved!
IGDA, or International Game Developers Association is a U.S. based non-profit professional society with a goal of connecting the people making games. Its history can be traced back to 1994, and the association adopted its current name in 1999. They have chapters all over the world, with each branching further into local hubs in different parts of the country. In IGDA Finland, each local hub functions as a cell focusing on the game developers’ needs in the surrounding area. The hubs are responsible for hosting a number of free to attend meetups for everyone, and the event timetables are announced on the hub’s web page and social channels.
IGDA supports the networking process by gathering like-minded people under the same roof. In Helsinki meetups, demo corners are often set up for those looking to showcase their game projects. It is a source of valuable feedback and a good way to start building visibility for your game. Chat corners on the other hand are for sitting down and focusing on networking. You may get a chance to talk to professionals working in the industry or get feedback on your CV. Moreover, there are featured speakers giving talks, and the space is full of casual conversations. Of course, one can visit the meetups just to hang out and have fun.
IGDA Helsinki Meetup 11.11.2025
The meetup on 11.11.2025 focused on landing a dream games job in today’s market with a talk by recruiter John Nylund and diversity, inclusion and HR specialist Licia Prehn. The talk offered a handy list of basics to consider while applying for a job. They highlighted the importance of a portfolio that stands out, as well as active participation in game jams or other game related hobbies. Not to forget about the core ethos of every game industry event: build your network!
While the professional tips given during the talk were likely familiar to those who have tried applying, it was a moment of mutual understanding. Indeed, it is challenging out there right now, and judging from the room packed with people eager to listen– everyone is in the same boat.
Interviewing attendees
To better grasp people’s thoughts, I interviewed a recent graduate (Person A), and someone who is about to graduate (Person B) about the current employment situation. Both are from a game design degree and are currently looking for their first workplace in the industry.
Q1: What has your experience been like navigating the job market in the games industry as a recent or soon-to-be graduate?
Person A: It has been very tough and daunting because it is very bad in any industry, especially in the game industry as there has been many layoffs (…) It’s like you are waiting for your turn, but then see other people who have more experience and qualifications getting turned away, and you’re like – How am I supposed to, as a recent graduate, with no experience, be able to get the job?
Person B: It has been incredibly challenging. I’ve been trying to find job opportunities from the area where my university is (…) and main areas like Helsinki, Tampere, also remote (…) and in Europe. Although, the skill level was not matching what they were looking for because it was too much as a generalist (…) In BUas [Breda University of Applied Sciences], they have specialisation paths, while in Finland, it’s a little bit different, more generic.
Q2: Has IGDA played a role in helping you connect with opportunities or professionals in the industry? If so, how?
Person A: Sort of yes and no. I will say I’ve not asked much, like pursued opportunities with these people. Just getting to know [people] and networking (…) but I haven’t got anyone being like “I know this position or this job that you should try out!” (…) But it’s also maybe because I haven’t asked. Also, I don’t want to bother people to be like: “hey do you have a job for me?”, because they’re like: “no-one has a job”, right?
Person B: From a [IGDA] volunteer perspective, not much. I feel like volunteering helps you build the network if you want to create something from scratch- like if you wanna start your own company. (…) I just think like going to events and trying to get reviews on portfolio, (…) meet new people and people that are working in the industry is more beneficial than what IGDA can provide. But at the same time, half of those events might be IGDA related (…) or sponsored.
Q3: What are your hopes or goals for your career in the games industry over the next few years?
Person A: To be employed! In any position that will aid me in my career in the game industry (…) Admittedly there are some positions I feel I might be qualified for but there might be a position I have never even considered that I would be way better for. But it’s very hard to get into, to learn about what would be suitable.
Person B: I’m in a position where after I’m going to graduate, I will be forced to start my own company if I want to get a job. If you’re applying for a position, you’re not competing with your peers but also people coming from all over Europe and beyond, and with the seniors, so the competition is incredibly fierce right now. There is a lack of internship positions as well. (…) So, building a network and doing that. I wouldn’t say that career opportunities are there for who is trying to break into the industry.
To conclude, it would seem like the struggles in the field are very much reflected on the fresh talent looking to employ themselves in the games industry. While there is no supreme solution to solve the unemployment crisis, people haven’t stopped thinking about the next step. Attending events like IGDA meetups help with building the ever-important network, while offering a place to share concerns about sustaining or starting a career. On the positive side, as a result of this situation, new companies are being founded, and independent studios have found major success in the global game markets. Perhaps indies founded with a passion to enter the industry are the future of game development.
Basic information
Image sources:
IGDA logo from press kit on https://igda.org/contact-us/media-contact/
Event photographs: Casimir Kuusela
Cover photo background by ClickerHappy from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/kohtaa-koko-maailma-signage-at-a-building-with-different-lights-at-night-804462/
Other sources:
Rovio layoffs: https://mobilegamer.biz/36-layoffs-at-angry-birds-maker-rovio-amid-restructure/
Remedy CEO stepping down: https://kotaku.com/morning-checkpoint-fbc-remedy-ceo-mortal-kombat-star-wars-2000638199
Ubisoft RedLynx company reform: https://www.redlynx.com/restructuring-proposal/