Name: GAME INDUSTRY LAYOFFS: HOW STUDIOS CAN DO BETTER - Joygasm Podcast Ep 331
Uploaded: 2025-12-03T03:47:40+00:00
Duration: 54 min 57 s
Description: 2023-2024 has suffered over 20,000 layoffs in the game industry, which is the highest number on record as of this recording. Impacted employees have had their finances devastated, their families uproo

1 month ago

Gaming

2023-2024 has suffered over 20,000 layoffs in the game industry, which is the highest number on record as of this recording. Impacted employees have had their finances devastated, their families uprooting their homes to new locations for nothing, and are struggling in a market absolutely saturated with talent, who are also looking for a new job. I explore how the industry got here, but more importantly, I offer helpful suggestions on how studios can do better with layoffs in the future.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
00:11 - Greetings!
01:00 - 20,000+ layoffs between 2023-2024
03:00 - What doesn't kill you gives you XP
05:00 - Head games
07:28 - Major acquisitions
15:00 - Higher interest rates
16:25 - A.I.
19:40 - Corporate greed
23:00 - Bobby Kotick's base salary could have saved 1,000+ jobs
27:27 - Host a job fair on campus
30:00 - Leadership needs to be present for layoff meetings
32:20 - Provide layoff notice 3-6 months in advance
36:18 - Fill available roles within the studio instead of layoffs
39:07 - Good leaders take $1/year salary
40:41 - Layoffs equal no bonuses for leadership for that year
42:00 - Avoid expensive office spaces
45:25 - Riot Games severance package is stellar
48:40 - Let impacted employees keep their RSU stock
51:00 - Final thoughts