【Year-End Review】The Winter of Gaming: Bonuses Slashed for Most, While Few Reap the Rewards

With 2022 behind us, year-end bonuses have become the ultimate litmus test for the health of major gaming companies. Amid a sluggish industry, game developers everywhere are feeling the chill as compensation takes a hit.

Industry giants like Tencent’s IEG saw significant cuts, with staff from flagship titles reporting bonuses slashed to the 'kneecap' level. Other companies like NetEase and Garena also struggled with tightening budgets. Smaller firms, failing to launch new projects, are resorting to minimal base bonuses and cutting back on employee perks.

The mood across the industry is polarized. While Perfect World employees grumble about downgraded annual meeting prizes, those at companies hit by layoffs are forced to choose between year-end bonuses and mandatory severance packages.

In contrast, the performance of firms like Lilith and miHoYo has become a hot topic. While miHoYo employees report significant total compensation increases, it has sparked community backlash—with users jokingly accusing them of 'farming hatred.' Wild rumors in the comments section suggest staggering bonus figures, with some claiming certain roles received millions in rewards, leaving many in the industry feeling defeated.