In San Francisco this week the atmosphere among professionals in the video game industry was somber as they gathered for the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC). Some were so disheartened by the current state of affairs in their field that they organized a collective shouting session in a nearby park.
Maxi Molina, a game developer from Spain attending the Game Developers Conference, expressed the prevailing sentiment. He stated, “Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a job and attend this conference are going through the motions and trying to make the best of it. But there’s a palpable sense of discontent in the industry right now.”
Recent Layoffs
The gaming industry witnessed a significant rise in layoffs, with over 10,000 job losses in 2023 compared to 8,500 in 2022, according to the Game Industry Layoffs project. The organization tracks job losses globally in game development and publishing. Layoffs have affected studios of all sizes, from small independent publishers to industry giants like Epic Games, Microsoft, and Sony. The trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Amidst these challenges, Caryl Shaw, a former producer at Epic Games, and Scott Jon Siegel, a designer for Fortnite Festival, organized a communal scream session in the park opposite the Moscone Center, where the GDC was being held. The event aimed to provide a space for game industry members to express their frustrations about the current state of game development in 2024.
Recognizing the need for support within the industry, GDC organizers took proactive steps to address the issue by offering discounted tickets to unemployed attendees, creating job boards, and facilitating networking events. They also introduced a “travel together” program to connect attendees staying in the same area. They hoped to foster more opportunities for interaction and support.
Furthermore, this year’s Game Developers Conference adopted a retrospective theme. They ironically celebrated the legacy of the gaming industry while reflecting on its evolution and looking towards the future.
AI in the Gaming Industry?
The future of the gaming industry, much like other technological sectors, is heavily influenced by discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications. A survey conducted by GDC found that most respondents expressed concerns about the ethical use of generative AI. These discussions were prevalent at the conference.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing push for unionization within the gaming industry. Most agree workers rights need to be protected. Efforts to unionize have gained traction, with notable successes such as Microsoft recognizing a union of Activision QA workers, marking a significant milestone in the push for union representation in the gaming sector.
Fitness Gaming
Given these datapoints, it is unclear what the future is for fitness in gaming
Further Reading