The Impact of Layoffs

The gaming sector has been hit hard by layoffs, with approximately 10,000 occurring last year alone. Unfortunately, I foresee similar reports for 2024. Such news can be disheartening, but as game developers, we often embrace challenges differently. For those who have been affected or are anxious about potential layoffs, consider these solutions: during stable times, established AAA studios are generally more reliable than smaller indie studios or startups. Seeking full-time roles can provide more security than freelance positions. The UK boasts some of the best employment laws, enhancing job stability. While opinions about Ubisoft may vary, their impressive employee retention record makes them a studio worth considering.

Choosing the Right Game

Many newcomers to the gaming industry often express feelings of disillusionment when their first job fails to ignite that initial excitement. If you find yourself working on a project that doesn’t inspire you, it’s natural for it to feel less like a career highlight and more like just a job. Perhaps your previous enjoyment stemmed from collaborating with peers at university to create imaginative game worlds, but now you’re constrained by strict intellectual property regulations in a third-party developer environment. If you aspire to work on innovative intellectual properties, consider joining studios that focus on original projects; indie studios often provide more opportunities for meaningful contributions. If your goal is to work on a specific franchise, take proactive steps by enhancing your portfolio with relevant work that aligns with your interests.

Navigating the Feedback Loop

It's common for newcomers to spend years in the industry before seeing their work come to fruition. Games may be shelved or canceled for numerous reasons, leading one to question their purpose. Stephen Bartlett emphasizes the importance of filling your "five buckets" in the correct order, starting with knowledge and skills—these foundational elements remain intact even through professional setbacks. If a shelved project contributed to your learning and experience, it was not time wasted. During challenging times, remember the joy of seeing your game resonate with players and forge emotional connections. This experience is invaluable and should guide your journey in the gaming industry. As Simon Sinek suggests in "Start with Why," understanding your core purpose clarifies your path, making the obstacles more manageable.

Financial Concerns in Indie Development

While indie studios and startups may offer creative freedom, they often come with financial uncertainty. These organizations can quickly face funding issues, so weigh the risks before accepting a role. It's wise to have a backup plan, such as keeping your portfolio up-to-date during evenings and weekends, allowing you to be job-ready at a moment's notice. Although layoffs affect everyone, you can minimize risk by choosing larger studios, which tend to have more stable employment practices during good times. Transitioning to full-time permanent positions rather than freelance work can also offer greater security.

Dealing with Toxic Environments

Life is too short to endure negativity from toxic individuals. It's important to distance yourself from such influences. Toxic people often shift around in the workplace, so minimizing contact is essential, as they thrive on attention. If it's impossible to avoid them at work, look for opportunities elsewhere. If your work environment is negatively impacted, it may be worth leaving—just ensure you have another position lined up first. Focus on maintaining an impressive portfolio and actively seek out interviews to secure your next opportunity.

Addressing these challenges requires self-awareness, resilience, and proactive steps to resolve them. By recognizing and tackling issues such as layoffs, unsuitable roles, project delays, financial worries, and toxic surroundings, you can regain your passion and fulfillment in this exciting industry. Despite the hurdles, I’ve never felt such a profound sense of excitement and satisfaction in any other field.