Video game workers ‘significantly disadvantaged’ in Australia’s tech sector

A new report from Professionals Australia finds a significant pay gap between those working in gaming companies and those working in traditional and new technology companies, despite shared skills in the industry.

An analysis of more than a thousand responses from Professional Australia union members and non-members found that the average basic salary for gaming industry workers was “43% lower than that of workers at large tech employers” including Google and Atlassian. While gaming workers saw their wages increase by 5.7% – like other tech workers – proportionately, they are still paid less compared to workers at traditional and emerging tech companies.

The gaming industry also seemingly has a less stable employment base, as layoffs have become widespread in recent months. The research for the Professionals Australia report was conducted between April and May 2023, but the union wanted to highlight the major impact of layoffs across the gaming industry over the past few months.

“People working in the gaming industry are there because we love it. We want to make games and we’ve often worked really hard to get in that door,” said Mitch McCausland, co-organizer of Game Workers Australia. “However, this year, mass layoffs sent shockwaves through the industry. The mantra is: “survive until 2025.”

Recently we have seen major Australian gaming companies including Samurai Punk, Mighty Kingdom and League of Geeks initiate significant layoffs or close down operations altogether as a result of difficult economic conditions.

Women are also at a significant disadvantage in the technology sector

Elsewhere, research by Professionals Australia found that women are also disadvantaged in the gaming and technology sectors, with their pay still around 14% lower than men in equivalent roles. Additionally, the study found that women were twice as likely to experience bullying or harassment in the workplace than men, and also faced low representation in the technology sector, particularly at senior management levels.

To read: IGDA reveals that 10,500 game developers lost their jobs in 2023 due to layoffs

“The technology and IT sector is often perceived as innovative, dynamic, growth and high-level
salaries. However, the reality for technical and IT workers in the field may vary depending on where you are located
work and gender,” said Paul Inglis, interim CEO of Professionals Australia.

According to Professionals Australia, data from its latest pay report highlights the need to continue to push for improved standards across the technology sector. The power of collective bargaining within a trade union was also highlighted, as it can be used to improve pay conditions and ensure a business culture that works for everyone.

“(The Game Workers Australia) Discord channel has over 200 gaming workers sharing advice, supporting each other through adversity, and working together towards fulfilling, safe careers. We made real progress on contracts and wages because we stood together as a workforce,” McCausland said. “Right now, people working in games are in survival mode, but we are in survival mode together and that makes a difference.”

Going forward, there is hope for change – but change is only possible through recognition. It’s important to understand the gaps in the high-tech sector, where improvements can be made and how companies can grow with a stronger culture focused on support.

You can read the full Professionals Australia pay report on the union’s website.