Report: European studio spending on external talent rises 63% in 2025

A report by Tanja Loktionova, 'Talent Signals Reshaping the Games Industry,' found that European studios increased spending on external roles by 63% in 2025, above the global growth rate of 55%, while the number of freelancers working with European studios grew 24%. Nearly 60% of studios reported difficulty sourcing qualified specialists and 54.1% of freelancers struggled to find suitable projects, even as average freelancer monthly income rose 19% globally and nearly 63% remained concerned about income stability. Loktionova said the data suggests studios are converging on a two-tier team model, with a small core receiving equity and benefits while others work as contractors and freelancers.