January is not even over yet and nearly 6,000 employees have already been laid off in the video game industry. This number represents 60% of the total for 2023, a surprising figure that was further highlighted by the recent layoffs announced by Microsoft Gaming.
In a week where Riot Games, Black Forest Games, and People Can Fly let go of over 2,500 employees, there are various voices in the industry commenting on the current situation. One of the most intense criticisms came from a member of Larian Studios, the producer of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Michael Douse, the director of the department responsible for releasing Larian’s games, commented on the recent layoffs announced by Microsoft Gaming by recalling a message from September and was harsh in his words.
“Buying companies to lay off all their employees shortly after is embarrassing and should be seen as embarrassing,” said Douse back in September.
Douse revisited that September message and added that it is “timeless, unfortunately. I believe that mass layoffs should be accompanied by mandatory cuts in the salaries of top executives, not with rewards for ‘making tough decisions.’”
“Demonstrate solidarity. Suffer with them. Share the pain, not just the responsibility,” he added.
The year 2023 was tough for game developers, and 2024 is shaping up to be even tougher, as incredible as it may seem.
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