European studio expenditure on external talent rises 63% in 2025
European video game studios significantly increased their investment in external talent during 2025, boosting spending by 63% according to the ‘Talent Signals Reshaping the Games Industry’ report. This growth outpaced the global average of 55%, indicating particularly strong demand for freelance and contract workers in the European games sector.
The expansion of external hiring was accompanied by a 24% increase in the number of freelancers collaborating with European studios. Globally, average freelancer income rose by 19%, reflecting stronger competition for skilled talent and higher rates being offered to secure external expertise.
However, the increased spending masks underlying talent acquisition challenges within the industry. Nearly 60% of studios reported difficulty finding qualified specialists, suggesting that the surge in external spending reflects both growing demand and a competitive market for specialized skills. The challenge extends to freelancers themselves, with 54.1% struggling to locate appropriate projects, indicating a potential mismatch between available talent and project opportunities despite the overall increase in hiring budgets.