The gaming industry, especially the AAA ecosystem, is going through a rough patch. In 2023, over 10,000 workers lost their jobs, and the streak of bad luck continues in 2024. As more companies trim their workforce, a member of Larian Studios expressed frustration and anger.
In an extensive conversation with Game File, Michael Douse, the editorial director of Larian Studios, discussed the current state of the industry and reflected on the recent wave of mass layoffs that has already left around 8000 developers and creatives unemployed in 2024. He was blunt and didnt hesitate to criticize the companies resorting to such measures.
Larian Studios criticizes the gaming industrys mass layoffs
"The wave of layoffs is an avoidable waste. Thats what it really is. Thats why you see one after another. Because companies say, finally. Now we can do it too. Weve wanted to do it for a long time. Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldnt we? Thats really a bit sick," highlighted the Larian Studios worker.
Michael Douse, who is part of the studio responsible for the acclaimed and successful Baldurs Gate 3, emphasizes that "none of those companies are at risk of bankruptcy" and that resorting to layoffs is only a measure to avoid investor backlash.
"Thats fine. Thats how they operate. The function of a public company is to generate growth for its shareholders… its not to create a happy atmosphere for its employees," emphasized the Larian Studios worker.
Regarding this, Michael Douse was asked if the studio behind Baldurs Gate 3 could opt to go public and have guidance from investors. Although he acknowledges that this strategy could provide more income to the company, in the end, it would be counterproductive for their projects.
"It wouldnt improve our games. It would only make us rush. If the [shareholders] had asked us what Baldurs Gate 3 would be like and how much it would cost three years ago, we wouldnt know. We just take it day by day (…) We are agile, and that is key. Big companies are not agile," emphasized the worker.
Its not the first time Michael Douse has expressed concern about the state of the industry. During the D.I.C.E Awards 2024, he emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable business, stating that executives mistakes create victims. "Stop firing my friends," he commented.
2024 has been a challenging year for the gaming industry. During the early stages, Riot Games laid off 530 employees; Microsoft trimmed its workforce at Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, Xbox, and other studios, affecting 1900 workers; Sony let go of 900 individuals, and the list goes on.
This situation led to the closure of companies and the cancellation of projects. Its hard to say, but everything seems to indicate
