Japanese game companies healthier due to smaller teams, fewer layoffs, lower exec pay

Amir Satvat, a leading game industry layoff tracker, told Edge that from 2022 to 2026 the industry cut 57,628 jobs but created the same number. 66% of layoffs occurred in North America, while Japanese companies like Nintendo, Konami, and Capcom retain over 97% of employees thanks to small teams and top pay of $2–3 million instead of $30 million.

• From 2022 to 2026, the game industry cut 57,628 jobs
• 66% of layoffs in 2026 occurred in North America
• Japanese companies retain over 97% of employees
• Nintendo head earns $2 million vs $38.6 million for EA head