Opinion: Deprofessionalization could foster toxic work environments on small teams
The game industry faces mounting concerns about workplace conduct as “deprofessionalization”—a shift away from traditional employment toward smaller independent developers—continues to reshape the sector. The term, coined by industry veteran Simon Carless and popularized by marketing expert Ryan Rigney, describes how specialized career professionals are increasingly displaced as small and solo developers demonstrate competitive capabilities against major studios.
This democratization of game development presents both opportunities and risks. While enabling creative innovation and reducing barriers to entry, it raises critical questions about protecting professional standards and worker safety. Small teams often lack the formal HR infrastructure, mentorship structures, and accountability systems that larger organizations typically provide—conditions that could foster toxic work environments unchecked.
The opinion piece argues that as deprofessionalization accelerates, the industry must actively preserve professional norms and workplace protections. Without deliberate intervention, the transition toward smaller teams and reduced formalized employment could create gaps where harmful behaviors flourish. The challenge lies in balancing the flexibility and innovation that smaller teams offer with the institutional safeguards necessary to maintain healthy, sustainable work environments across the industry.