For a long time, the games industry sold a fairly clear idea of what a “safe” career move looked like. Permanent over contract. Big studio over small. Established IP over new ideas. Stability was something you could aim for if you made the right choices. Over the last few years, that illusion has been quietly dismantled.
The boom during lockdown accelerated hiring at a pace that was never sustainable long term. Headcount ballooned, teams scaled fast, and the assumption was that growth would simply continue. When the correction came, it hit hard. What we are seeing now is not the industry collapsing, but the industry recalibrating. The pillars of employment are actively shifting into something more realistic, more cautious, and arguably more sustainable. A move towards project based hiring across the board was always going to be the eventual outcome once the dust settled.
One of the clearest results of that shift is studios opting for contract per project hiring over permanent headcount. From a studio perspective, this is not about avoiding responsibility. It is about accuracy. When roles are tied directly to a project timeline, budgets become clearer, risk is easier to manage, and teams can be built around what is actually needed rather than what might be needed in two years time. This model already exists across wider tech, film, television, and other creative industries. Games is not late to the party, it is simply catching up.
For individuals, this requires a mindset change. Permanent employment often feels safer because it comes with the idea of longevity. But in reality, you are only ever employed for as long as your notice period if a project or studio falls into shaky ground. Contracting makes that reality more visible, but not necessarily more dangerous. Day to day security often feels very similar. The key difference is clarity. With a contract, you know when the work is due to end, and you know when to start planning your next move. That visibility can actually remove a lot of the anxiety that comes from sudden restructures or surprise layoffs.
- Higher earning potential Day rates are typically higher than salaried equivalents to account for flexibility and lack of benefits, which often results in stronger overall annual earnings.
- Greater project variety Moving between studios, genres, and production styles accelerates skill growth and keeps your portfolio diverse and current.
- Clear timelines and expectations Contracts define scope and duration upfront. You know when a project ends and can plan your next move proactively.
- Increased autonomy Contractors often have more control over workload structure, negotiation terms, and in some cases remote or hybrid working arrangements.
- Stronger professional network Working across multiple teams and studios expands your industry relationships far more quickly than staying in one environment long term.
However, permanent roles will always be preferable for many people, and that makes complete sense. Mortgages, long term financial planning, benefits, and not having to manage your own taxes are all very real considerations. But contracting offers a different set of advantages that are increasingly hard to ignore. Higher day rates, greater autonomy, regular variation in projects, and often more flexibility around remote work. For many people, especially those a few years into their careers, that trade off becomes very appealing once they experience it.
Getting set up for contracting is also far simpler than it is often made out to be. In most cases, it is a matter of setting up a limited company or local equivalent, working with an accountant, and understanding the basics of invoicing and tax obligations.
- Register your business structure Either register as self-employed or set up a limited company, depending on your country and tax environment. An accountant can advise which structure makes the most sense for your income level.
- Set up a dedicated business bank account Keep personal and business finances separate from day one. It simplifies tax reporting and keeps your cash flow clear.
- Implement a tax tracking system Use accounting software or work with an accountant to track invoices, expenses, and tax obligations in real time. Do not leave it until year end.
It sounds intimidating until you do it once, and then it becomes admin rather than a barrier. The biggest difference is not logistical, it is psychological. Viewing your career as a series of projects rather than a single linear path.
The idea of a “safe” move in games is comforting, but it no longer reflects reality. Studio size does not guarantee stability. Permanent contracts do not guarantee longevity. Established IPs still get cancelled. Startups still succeed. The industry is project driven at its core, and the sooner we are honest about that, the better positioned everyone becomes.
There are no safe moves, only informed ones.
