Erika Ishii, the voice behind the character Atsu in the acclaimed action-adventure game Ghost of Yotei, delivered a compelling message advocating for fair treatment of workers within the video game industry during her acceptance speech for the DICE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character. The 38-year-old genderfluid voice actor emphasized the need for recognition and equitable compensation for those who contribute to the thriving gaming landscape.
After expressing gratitude to her colleagues at Sucker Punch Productions, Ishii highlighted the industry’s remarkable growth. With global video game sales hitting $134.9 billion in 2018 and increasing further due to the pandemic, she stated, “Now that video games are the most lucrative branch in entertainment, the people making them deserve recognition, fair pay, and fair treatment.”
Industry Growth Amid Challenges
The video game sector has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade, surpassing both the film and sports industries combined during the pandemic years. In 2020, revenue surged by 20 percent, reflecting a broader trend of increasing consumer engagement. However, this growth has not translated into job security for developers. Between 2022 and 2025, approximately 45,000 workers in the sector faced layoffs, many occurring post-launch of popular titles.
In 2025 alone, around 9,175 workers were dismissed or made redundant, a significant decrease from 15,631 layoffs in 2024. Despite this reduction, industry experts, including Lewis Packwood, editor at GamesIndustry Biz, described the figures as “horrendous.” The landscape is expected to remain challenging, with predictions of at least 7,500 more layoffs in 2026, according to Amir Satvat, business development director at Tencent Games.
A Call for Fairness and Respect
Ishii’s speech resonated deeply within the community, particularly as 82 percent of US-based game developers express support for unionizing, according to the 2026 State of the Games Industry report. Yet, only 12 percent of respondents reported being part of a union, highlighting a significant gap in worker representation.
“Stories are more important now than ever,” Ishii stated, urging those watching to advocate for fair treatment of industry workers. Her message underscores the importance of valuing the contributions of those who create the games enjoyed by millions around the world.
As the gaming industry continues to expand, the call for equitable treatment and recognition becomes increasingly crucial. Ishii’s passionate appeal serves as a reminder of the human element behind the screens, advocating for a future where all contributors are respected and fairly compensated for their work.
