"Someone, Somewhere Is Being Greedy": Head of Double Fine Productions on the Ongoing Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
Mass layoffs are one of the most painful topics in modern game development. They have been occurring regularly in gaming companies worldwide for the past four years. As acknowledged by Double Fine Productions CEO Tim Schafer in an interview with BBC News, the current situation has made him doubt his understanding of the gaming economy.
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During the conversation, Schafer explained that he used to view layoffs as something cyclical: in tough times, companies reduce staff, but gradually they need additional employees again to develop new games, at which point people are rehired.
However, now, noted the head of Double Fine Productions, the downturn period has been prolonged. Usually, recovery happens much faster. In Schafer's opinion, the reason might be the greed of some executives.
“People are playing games, and people are making money. So I don’t understand why there are such massive job cuts. I just assume that someone somewhere is being greedy. But I still hope this is a cycle and the situation will improve,” stated Schafer.
Double Fine Productions itself recently conducted layoffs. After exiting Microsoft's gaming division, it parted ways with 23 employees—about a quarter of its staff.