Andrew Hilson ☕️’s Post

I've worked for all of Ubisoft , 2k , Epic Games , Electronic Arts (EA) , Xbox and Playstation , either permanently or on contract. I get the attraction ❤️ 💔 It's tough to see more studios shutting their doors, and my heart goes out to everyone impacted. I've been where you are, and I know that the uncertainty and frustration can be overwhelming. But it's important to be honest about the state of our industry right now. 🎮 The hard truth is that there aren't enough opportunities to go around. For every open role, countless talented individuals are vying for the same spot. It's not about how skilled you are or how much passion you bring—sometimes, it's just about timing and luck. 🌐 So what can we do? Instead of waiting for that perfect game industry role, start looking beyond. Leverage your skills in adjacent industries—tech, entertainment, or even outside the traditional paths you've followed. The game industry might not be able to absorb everyone right now, but your talents are absolutely transferable. 🔗 Don't be afraid to explore options that may seem unconventional. You're not alone, and there are paths forward—even if they don't look exactly like what you imagined. 🛠️ Remember, this isn't the end—it's just a pivot. 💪 #GameDev #Layoffs #NewOpportunities #CareerTransition

I've worked for all of Ubisoft , 2k , Epic Games , Electronic Arts (EA) , Xbox and Playstation , either permanently or on contract. I get the attraction ❤️ 💔 It's tough to see more studios shutting their doors, and my heart goes out to everyone impacted. I've been where you are, and I know that the uncertainty and frustration can be overwhelming. But it's important to be honest about the state of our industry right now. 🎮 The hard truth is that there aren't enough opportunities to go around. For every open role, countless talented individuals are vying for the same spot. It's not about how skilled you are or how much passion you bring—sometimes, it's just about timing and luck. 🌐 So what can we do? Instead of waiting for that perfect game industry role, start looking beyond. Leverage your skills in adjacent industries—tech, entertainment, or even outside the traditional paths you've followed. The game industry might not be able to absorb everyone right now, but your talents are absolutely transferable. 🔗 Don't be afraid to explore options that may seem unconventional. You're not alone, and there are paths forward—even if they don't look exactly like what you imagined. 🛠️ Remember, this isn't the end—it's just a pivot. 💪 #GameDev #Layoffs #NewOpportunities #CareerTransition

I've seen that Merge Games Ltd. is shutting down...it's been two weeks since I was impacted at Activision and Sledgehammer Games. And I've worked for all of Ubisoft , 2k , Epic Games , Electronic Arts (EA) , Xbox and Playstation , either permanently or on contract. I get the attraction ❤️ 💔 It's tough to see more studios shutting their doors, and my heart goes out to everyone impacted. I've been where you are, and I know that the uncertainty and frustration can be overwhelming. But it's important to be honest about the state of our industry right now. 🎮 The hard truth is that there aren't enough opportunities to go around. For every open role, countless talented individuals are vying for the same spot. It's not about how skilled you are or how much passion you bring—sometimes, it's just about timing and luck. 🌐 So what can we do? Instead of waiting for that perfect game industry role, start looking beyond. Leverage your skills in adjacent industries—tech, entertainment, or even outside the traditional paths you've followed. The game industry might not be able to absorb everyone right now, but your talents are absolutely transferable. 🔗 Don't be afraid to explore options that may seem unconventional. You're not alone, and there are paths forward—even if they don't look exactly like what you imagined. 🛠️ Remember, this isn't the end—it's just a pivot. 💪 #GameDev #Layoffs #NewOpportunities #CareerTransition

The gaming industry's layoff crisis continues to escalate, leaving a trail of uncertainty in its wake. Ubisoft's recent decision to cut a further 45 jobs adds to the over 10,500 jobs lost in the industry in 2023 alone. This follows the closure of Smilegate Barcelona, Nintendo's restructuring of its testing department, and Sega's sale of the acclaimed Relic Entertainment studio. We had the opportunity to discuss about this subject with Richard Lalancette during our interview, about how studios are struggling with the layoffs, how people from the gaming industry are afraid of losing their jobs... For a deeper analysis of the factors driving these layoffs and their potential impact on the industry, read Geekin's latest article from the link below. #gamingindustry #layoffs #ubisoft #nintendo #sega

The decision by Microsoft to lay off 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox is a significant move within the technology sector. While the cuts aim to streamline operations and boost profitability, it raises concerns about the impact on the affected individuals and the broader trend of job losses in the tech industry. The timing, coming after Microsoft's massive deal for Activision Blizzard, adds complexity to the narrative. It reflects the challenging landscape as companies navigate evolving markets and invest heavily in AI. The tech sector's shedding of 168,032 jobs in 2023 underscores the industry's volatility. What's your take? #TechTrends #Microsoft #Layoffs #InnovationDebate

Activision Blizzard is going through another massive round of layoffs 🪓 Approximately 400 jobs will be cut, hitting the mobile gaming divisions in Santa Monica and Irvine the hardest💥. The purpose? Eliminating redundancies after the $75.4 billion merger with Microsoft 🤑. This isn't some minor adjustment—this is a big shakeup. 🟠 Starting October 11, the Blizzard Entertainment studio in Irvine will see 140 jobs vanish. 🟠 Santa Monica and Playa Vista won't be spared; their cuts will follow, wrapping up by year-end. 🟠 Who's affected? Everyone from accountants and engineers to the Director of HR for World of Warcraft and even a Vice President. It's an equal-opportunity gut punch. Here's the kicker: Activision Blizzard is mostly targeting corporate and support roles. But let's face it, gaming teams aren't off the hook either. Details are as scarce as a rare WoW drop, though. And let's not forget, this isn't the first rodeo for Activision Blizzard—over 1,000 staff were axed last year across various locations including Novato, Foster City, and Southern California 😶🌫️. It's brutal, but it's "necessary," according to the company. Nothing personal, just business, right? But where do we draw the line between business strategy and sheer disregard for employees? How do you think this impacts the gaming community and the employees left behind? 🤔 #ActivisionBlizzard #Microsoft #Layoffs #GamingIndustry #CorporateStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #restructuring #jobs தமிழ்

Ok, folks...confession time: I love #videogames. I always have as long as I can remember back--roughly to age 4. It was '91 and my parents bought me my first Nintendo Entertainment System (NES/Famicom) with the Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt combo cartridge. Since then I've owned every single system with little exception, and today I am addicted to Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 on my Steam Deck from Valve corporation. However, this year has marked a seriously disappointing trend in the industry. Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Studios, and many smaller subsidiaries and #Indie studios have either folded or been forced to issue massive layoffs to the talented (and, let's be honest, #overworked) staff that help make the games that I love. I can only imagine the frustration, fear and anger that this has caused to so many, and while I unfortunately lack the connections to create new job opportunities, what I do have--if you'll allow me to borrow from #gamespeak--is a useful power-up I'd love to offer. In the event that the studio and/or position you left behind provided you with a standard retirement account (think 401(k) or similar) and you're not sure what the best course of action is when it comes to what to do with it, I can help. I allotted all my XP over the years into enhancing my understanding and skills in provided #guidance on these matters, and I want to do what I can to create some peace of mind in what might be an otherwise crazy situation. Remember, "it's dangerous to go alone," so let me be the Player 2 you're looking for! Also, anyone in the #gamesindustry that might be #hiring--please spam this post so we can help get some people back at work and creating again!

In today's news, ANOTHER massive gaming company that recorded HUGE profits last fiscal year is laying off 400 employees this month! I wish I could say this is surprising, even slightly, but at this point it is honestly expected. Microsoft Activision Blizzard DO BETTER. You have a responsibility to the people who come to work for you. The people who are the backbone of your company and provide the work that allows you to collect those massive profits year after year. You simply cannot keep treating people as disposable items. It's bad for you, it's bad for your former employees, and it's bad for the industry. Again. DO BETTER. #gamedev #gamedevelopment #indierevolution #layoffs #opentonetwork #unreal #ue5 #indiedev

🧝🏼♀️Hey you! Are you attending gamescom 2024? Have you been impacted by layoffs in the gaming industry? Maybe you’re still looking for a good company culture, or maybe you’re simply STILL looking. We hear ya. The talent landscape for the last few years has been brutal. If you happen to be at Gamescom and you have some time in your schedule to explore options make sure to put some time on my calendar by either stopping by the booth or following the QR codes in this photo. 👾More resources below: 1. Check out of our Career page on our website. 2. Follow the Xsolla Open Roles Newsletter attached to my profile. 3. Ping one of our regional TAs 🫶🏼 🎲🎲🎲 #xsolla #lifeatxsolla #hiring #gamescom #openroles #gameindustry #gaming

Literally the state of our industry right now, I think I actually have a better shot at making/producing my own game/studio then I do at getting a job at Blizzard Entertainment/Activision Blizzard (my dream position btw). It seems like winning American Idol or something similar, which is not really a conducive mechanism for creativity, it is just a constant state of equilibrium and stagnation. Good for already wealthy companies/individuals, but bad for anyone else. Much like water. Stagnated, it is poisonous during consumption, but running spring water is always refreshing and life affirming. My favorite marshal artist and combat choreographer, Bruce Lee, mentions being formless and shapeless just like water, this holds a lot of meaning for me in my development, following and flowing with the industry with what is unique, but also well received amongst the targeted demographic. True and unadulterated creativity of the mind, truly inspirational and relatable. This is how games should be. #indyrevolution #indygames #indie #games #gamedesign #videogames