Nintendo Raises Employee Base Salaries by 10%
Nintendo has announced a 10% increase in base salaries for its employees, as confirmed by company president Shuntaro Furukawa during the 2026 shareholders’ meeting. The raise represents a significant effort by the Japanese gaming giant to retain its workforce amid a period of widespread layoffs across the gaming industry.
When questioned about the company’s approach to employee compensation and the lack of a unionized workforce, Furukawa emphasized Nintendo’s commitment to maintaining appropriate salary levels. “We are maintaining salaries at an appropriate level. I believe it is important to keep compensation levels appropriate,” he stated, signaling that the company views competitive compensation as essential to its operations.
The salary increase comes as Nintendo has simultaneously raised prices on various products in recent months, including hardware and services. In Japan, the company increased prices for its Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, suggesting a broader strategy of adjusting its business model. Despite these price increases to consumers, Nintendo appears committed to supporting its internal team during a challenging time for the broader gaming sector.
The move stands in contrast to the wider industry trend, where numerous major publishers and studios have announced significant workforce reductions in recent years. By proactively raising employee compensation, Nintendo appears to be positioning itself as an employer of choice within an industry experiencing considerable turbulence, potentially helping the company attract and retain top talent during uncertain times.