Video Game Works at “Significant Disadvantage” in Australia’s Tech Sector

Video Game Works at “Significant Disadvantage” in Australia’s Tech Sector

Despite the fact that the gaming industry shares many abilities, a recent Professionals Australia research uncovered a sizable salary disparity between employees of traditional and new tech organizations and those working for game companies.

A study conducted on more than a thousand replies from both Professional Australia union members and non-members revealed that the median base income of employees working in the gaming industry was "43% less than those working at big New Tech employers," such as Atlassian and Google. Employees in the games industry had a 5.7% increase in pay, which is comparable to other IT workers, although they are still paid less than those at both established and emerging technology organizations.

It also appears that the gaming business has a less steady basis of employment, as layoffs have increased recently. While April and May 2023 were the study months for the Professionals Australia report, the union was eager to emphasize in its delivery the significant impact of layoffs in the games industry during the past few months.

"Those that labor in the gaming industry do so because they have a passion for it. According to Mitch McCausland, a co-convenor of Game Workers Australia, "We want to make games and we've often worked really hard to get in the door." However, this year's devastating layoffs have rocked the business. "Survive until 2025" is the motto.

Women are also at significant disadvantage in the tech sector

According to other findings from Professionals Australia's poll, women continue to face discrimination in the gaming and tech industries, with their pay still being about 14% less than that of men in comparable roles. The poll also revealed that women experienced low representation in the tech industry, especially at senior management levels, and were twice as likely as men to be bullied or harassed at work.

Professionals Australia claims that the information gathered for its most recent remuneration report highlights the necessity of keeping up the pressure for higher standards throughout the tech industry. It has also emphasized the strength of collective bargaining inside a union, which can be used to raise wages and guarantee an inclusive workplace atmosphere.

More than 200 gaming workers collaborate on rewarding, safe professions by advice-giving, support-giving, and working through challenges in a Discord channel. Because we united as a workforce, we were able to secure significant advancements in contracts and compensation, McCausland added. "Those who work in the gaming industry right now are in survival mode, but that makes a difference because we are all in survival mode together."

There is hope for change in the future, but recognition is the first step toward making change happen. It's critical to comprehend the shortcomings in today's IT industry, potential areas for development, and strategies for business expansion with a more robust, customer-focused culture.