The recent layoffs at Microsoft alongside Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and King were personal for me. Like others in my field, I’ve experienced a cocktail of sadness and frustration. These weren’t simply headlines. They were friends, former colleagues, and people I admired.
Although I am fortunate to still be working in a role I care about, it’s difficult to remain unaffected knowing how many talented and dedicated individuals are now jobless. Some of them spent years crafting game designs, mentoring, and developing complex systems and pipelines which, while unnoticed by the majority of gamers, were essential.
I doubt this will be the last round of layoffs, as it’s the first of many we’ve encountered recently. Each attempt at restructuring reduces the amount of order and reliability that we attempt to accumulate. It also makes us examine in greater detail the ways in which the industry values people, what type of leadership is required, and how we analyze meaningful outcomes.
Most of the effort put in by developers and artists goes unrecognized. Every project has its share of decisions and sacrifices that accelerate progress, and in the case of a game, a game that is far deeper than what the final product goes far deeper than what the final product reveals. In every game, there’s many pieces of work that are missed, thus remaining unpaid, and most of them are and most of them are a requirement.
If you’re in a hiring position, or know someone who is, I hope you’ll look seriously at the many talented individuals now looking for new opportunities. Their value doesn’t disappear because of a restructuring decision. If anything, their resilience and perspective are more vital than ever.
To those affected: I admire the contributions you’ve made. I’m hopeful that your next chapter brings you not only stability, but a place where your talents are truly seen.
And to those still standing: let’s support one another. Share portfolios. Make referrals. Push for transparency and empathy where we can.
Because this industry doesn’t thrive on tech alone. It thrives on people.
#GameIndustry #MicrosoftLayoffs #GameArt #GameDevCommunity #SupportArtists #SimonLocheArt
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