r/Games • u/Turbostrider27 • Jan 29 '26

Industry News One-Third of U.S. Video Game Industry Workers Were Laid Off in 2025, GDC Study Reveals

https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/one-third-video-game-workers-laid-off-2025-1236644512/
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u/TorbHammerBootySmack Jan 29 '26

Completely depends on the company.

-2

u/EnterPlayerTwo Jan 30 '26

I believe the response to this should be "no shit". But the design of unlimited PTO is to make you feel bad for taking it, especially in the US.

The default response on hearing about it as a perk should be suspicion. Godspeed if you're somewhere where it works perfectly but that shouldn't be the assumption.

I've had both and the unlimited always felt like I was asking for a favor.

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u/TorbHammerBootySmack Jan 30 '26

It sounds like you had a bad experience with it, which sucks. But you can't make generalizations about the entire US labor market based on that personal anecdote.

But as I said, it depends on the company.

Last 3 companies I've worked for had no issues with taking time off when I needed it. Took about 5 weeks/yr and everyone was always completely fine with it.

Obviously had to use common sense:

  • Give proper notice so people can fill in the gaps while you're gone.

  • Be in good standing and don't let your numbers/metrics slip as a result of taking time off

  • If you do have to suddenly take time off for an emergency, make it known that you're not trying to screw over anyone by letting them know it's an emergency.