I’ve been working in the game industry for a long time now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that this business is full of ups and downs. The cycles of growth and crash, of booming creativity followed by layoffs and uncertainty, have been part of the landscape for decades.
So, is there any hope? I believe there is, but it takes being smart, staying supported, and staying proactive.
Looking Back to Understand Today
When I first got into games, I heard the stories about the crash of 1983. It was a time when home console gaming almost disappeared until Nintendo came along in 1987 and brought it back to life. That ebb and flow has continued through the years.
In the early ’90s, working at Epic Games was an exciting time. We were part of something new, creating games on PCs and sharing them directly through BBS and disks. Games like Tyrian, Unreal, and Unreal Tournament not only sparked my passion but also helped me pay my bills as a 20-something developer.
Back then, I felt like I was living a dream.
The Reality of Project-Based Work
But as I moved through my career, from Epic to Ion Storm, Midway, Obsidian, and then freelancing, I realized something important: the game industry isn’t like other fields where people work at one company for decades. Instead, it’s a project-based world. Games aren’t a basic need like plumbing or food; they’re creative projects that either succeed or don’t, and that success determines whether jobs stick around.
When a project wraps up or doesn’t make money, companies often have to make tough choices, and layoffs happen. I’ve been through two layoffs myself, and plenty of canceled projects, all while raising three sons.
It’s a harsh reality, but I never expected any company to guarantee my future.
Finding Hope and Strength in Community
That said, I don’t see this as a reason to give up. I think hope comes from owning your career, staying adaptable, and leaning on your network. People like Amir Satvat are working hard to make the industry more cohesive and supportive. Groups like United Video Game Workers are pushing for safer, fairer hiring practices, too.
These efforts give me hope that things can get better.
The Importance of Networking and Adaptability
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your network matters. Staying connected with other developers, keeping up with opportunities, and being ready to shift your skills when needed are just as important as the work you do on your current project.
The industry changes fast. Tools evolve, platforms shift, and what’s hot today might not be tomorrow. The key is to keep learning and keep your passion alive. That passion - the love for games that brought you here in the first place - is what helps you push through the tough times.
Final Thoughts: Realism Is a Strength
I don’t see recognizing the industry’s ups and downs as being defeatist. To me, it’s about being realistic and prepared. We can’t control every crash or project cancellation, but we can control how we respond. By staying informed, connected, and flexible, we give ourselves the best shot at not just surviving, but thriving.
So yes, there is hope in the game industry, but it comes from being smart, supported, and proactive. That’s how we ride the cycles and maybe even help build a better future for all of us.
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