New report reveals a shift in priorities among the global video game freelance community, with artists valuing well-managed projects over higher pay. But with gaming layoffs this year creating more job insecurity, what can freelancers do now to land secure and organised clients and projects?
Freelancing in gaming: The communication crisis
Devoted Fusion’s 2025 State of Video Game Freelancing Report has unearthed a surprising truth about the industry’s external workforce: clear communication is more critical than compensation. A staggering 86% of freelancers state that client communication is the #1 factor when deciding to accept a new project—outpacing pay, timelines, and creative fit.
This finding suggests that after years of dealing with rushed timelines, unrealistic expectations, and poor project management from studios, the global freelance artist community is prioritising stability and a professional process.
“Studios want plug-and-play freelancers, but they often fail to provide the infrastructure needed for success.”
The report highlights that the industry’s immaturity in managing solo freelancers, compared to larger outsourcing companies, is creating major friction. Artists are wary of issues like uncompensated scope creep, unrealistic budgets, and unclear briefs.
Finding consistent work is by far the biggest challenge, affecting 65% of respondents.
Project-related instability (e.g. scope changes, ghosting, lack of contracts) shows that many freelancers are dealing with unstructured or unclear project processes.
Many freelancers reported that clients expand the scope of work after an estimate has been agreed upon, without adjusting the budget. This results in unpaid additional work and highlights a broader issue of unclear project boundaries and inadequate scope management.
Gaming sector layoffs are peaking
The communication crisis could get worse before it gets better as more talent goes freelance.
As developers grapple with these new realities (e.g. decreasing spend, people playing fewer games, and growing development costs), layoffs have become a recurring theme, said the report.
“While 2025 may be trending lower than 2024’s record, the cumulative effect is reshaping the workforce, pushing some talent toward freelance and external development models. It’s also pushing studios to leverage external talent as they work to lower costs while still delivering on their games.”
By July 2025, layoffs had already reached 6,247, suggesting the industry may surpass 2022’s full-year total before the end of the year. In the UK alone, the number of freelancers engaged by UK game development companies rose sharply from 1,102 in April 2023 to 3,625 in May 2024, reflecting a shift among larger firms away from full-time employment toward flexible freelance models.
The economic squeeze and the hunt for work
Despite their focus on communication, freelancers are operating in a challenging economic landscape:
Rate Pressure is Widespread: 51% of freelancers are being pushed to lower their rates in 2025, even with rising demand from studios trying to reduce internal headcounts. This pressure is most acute in Asia, where 80% of artists report being asked to accept less money. However, artists in Latin America and North America are feeling the squeeze a little less, with around 42% being asked to lower their rates.
The Biggest Pain Point: The struggle for consistent work remains the top career hurdle. 80% of respondents cite “Finding Projects” as their #1 pain point, showing a clear need for better platforms to connect experienced artists with long-term, stable clients.
A Maturing Workforce: Freelancing is no longer a stopgap. 70% of respondents have been working as freelancers for three or more years, solidifying their position as a core, experienced talent pool for the industry.
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AI: The co-pilot, not the creator
The report offers a grounded view on AI adoption among game artists. While major studios are integrating AI into core pipelines, freelancers are taking a more cautious, pragmatic approach.
Mixed Adoption: 51% of freelancers have experimented with an AI tool, but sentiment is deeply mixed.
A Tool for Admin: Crucially, AI is being used as a ‘co-pilot’ for non-art tasks. Freelancers use tools like ChatGPT for researching projects, drafting emails, writing scripts for 3D tools, and organising tasks—effectively streamlining their administrative workload to focus on creative work.
What can gaming sector freelancers do now?
This data provides a clear mandate for freelancers looking to thrive:
Demand quality briefs: Use the 86% statistic to confidently push for clearly defined scopes, realistic timelines, and respectful communication during contract negotiations.
Focus on client infrastructure: Prioritise studios that demonstrate a mature approach to project management (e.g., using Discord, having clear PM tools, and avoiding scope creep).
Harness AI for admin: Embrace AI tools to automate non-creative tasks. Spend less time on emails and invoicing, and more time on the high-value art that clients are paying for.
Upskill strategically: While Photoshop and Substance are cornerstones, the rise of Blender and demand for real-time engine experience (Unreal Engine) signals lucrative upskilling opportunities.
Create new paths to passive income: Brazil-based freelancer Paulo Jorge relayed how a deep passion for 3D modelling turned into a new revenue stream that also helped fellow game developers and studios:
About six years ago, after a short time in indie game development, I discovered a deep passion for 3D modelling, especially crafting props and environments for games. What started with simple models quickly evolved into something bigger. I began creating and selling asset packs on major marketplaces.
This helped me master the full pipeline from setting clear delivery milestones to analyzing feedback and solving real production challenges for other developers.
My assets now live in the background of countless games, helping studios accelerate development while also generating steady passive income.
Along the way, I immersed myself in 3D communities, learning, sharing, and building meaningful relationships. That ongoing exchange of knowledge didn’t just level up my skills, it opened doors, expanded my network, and built the confidence I needed to take on increasingly collaborative and professional projects.
A US-based Concept Artist who participated in the report’s research had this to say about how in-person relationships have been his route to landing new work:
In my experience, freelance opportunities often stem from relationships—built through former colleagues, industry events like GDC, and referrals.
Networking, sharing your work, and connecting across industries can open unexpected doors; it’s how I built the foundation to collaborate with developers and brands across the world. Always strive to cultivate and develop genuine relationships and connections with individuals you meet.
You never know where your next opportunity may come from. It can be exciting!