Gaming layoffs hit 10,977 in first 10 months of 2026, topping all of 2025

The tracker counts 35 studio closures in 2026, including BioWare, Bluepoint Games and several Ubisoft offices. HappyGamer reported that Pirat_Nation shared the figures on X on 1 November and that 161 studios have been hit by layoffs in some form.

BioWare closure

EA plans to cut about 400 jobs, roughly 3% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring that includes the reported shutdown of BioWare. The Canadian studio's closure was announced on 21 October 2026. Bloomberg reported that about 50 BioWare employees could be affected and that an early-stage Mass Effect project had been cancelled. EA said it will help affected employees look for other roles inside the company.

Jagran Josh reported that the restructuring identified potential savings of up to $700 million, including reduced research and development spending, and that EA is prioritizing projects with greater growth opportunities and franchises with stronger commercial potential. BioWare's challenges included the performance of Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which was released in 2024.

BioWare was founded in 1995 and spent over three decades creating games including Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Its games also included Jade Empire and Mass Effect 3.

2026 total and 2024 record

The 10,977 figure covers January to October. The 2025 total of 9,197 followed 15,631 in 2024, the tracker's highest year. The tracker projects 13,077 job cuts by December, which would mean about 2,100 more in November and December. If that holds, 2026 would end below the 2024 record but above 2025.

Other studios

The cuts also reached Ninja Theory, which may soon close, along with id Software, Bungie, Epic Games, Take-Two, Riot Games and Blizzard, according to the tracker. HappyGamer reported that Sucker Punch laid off around 24 to 26 people, Arkane Lyon has about 217 jobs listed as at risk, Supermassive Games cut more than 70, and DON'T NOD could see up to 85 jobs affected by its restructuring. It said some figures are planned or at-risk numbers rather than final headcounts. It put Microsoft at the top by size, with around 3,200 cuts reportedly planned.

What happens next

The tracker's final 2026 number will arrive in December. Mezha reported that Xbox's restructuring plans could push the total toward the 2024 record. It also said the sector had recorded growth for a seventh consecutive quarter in June, and that 2025 was the first year gaming revenue passed $200 billion.