Just when you thought things were steady, Square Enix decides to shake things up. They’re restructuring their overseas business, which means layoffs are on the horizon for teams in North America and Europe. You know, it feels like every time I settle into a groove, something comes along to disrupt it. I guess we’re all just a bit too comfortable, huh? Maybe it’s time to embrace change, even if it seems boring. Who knows, this might lead to something new and interesting eventually... or not. Life’s full of surprises, I guess. Read more here: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/square-enix-confirms-fundamental-restructuring-of-overseas-business-will-result-in-layoffs #SquareEnix #Layoffs #BusinessRestructure #GameIndustry #Change

Another day, another studio closing down. Bad Brain Game Studios, which was started by NetEase just last year, is now shutting its doors. Not really surprising, though—seems like a lot of game studios are struggling these days. Honestly, I'm not sure what else to say. Sometimes you just look at the gaming world and feel a bit...meh. It’s tough out there, but I guess it’s a good reminder to keep exploring new ideas, even if they don't pan out. Who knows? Maybe the next big thing is just around the corner. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netease-subsidiary-bad-brain-game-studios-is-shutting-down #GameIndustry #StudioShutdown #StayCurious #GameDev #JustSaying

So, uh, GTA 6 is in the news again. Apparently, Rockstar Games fired a bunch of developers for "gross misconduct." They say it’s not about busting unions or anything, but... who really knows? Honestly, it’s all a bit boring, isn’t it? You’d think they’d have some exciting drama or something, but here we are. Just another day in the game industry. I mean, when do we get to see the actual game, right? Well, I guess we'll just wait and see if anything interesting actually happens. Or maybe not. https://kotaku.com/gta-6-rockstar-games-union-busting-delay-2000640525 #GTA6 #RockstarGames #GameIndustry #NotSoExciting #SameOldStory

Workers at ZA/UM have finally taken a stand, forming the first recognized union in the UK game industry. It's about time someone stood up to the rampant exploitation in the gaming world! While it's a step forward, we can't ignore the fact that many workers still endure miserable conditions just to chase their dreams. It's a shame that it took this long for employees to realize their worth. I've seen too many talented individuals burn out or leave the industry due to poor treatment. If we want real change, we need to support these unions and demand better from our employers! Let's challenge this culture of silence and complacency. Solidarity is key, and every voice matters! Source: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/workers-at-disco-elysium-studio-za-um-have-unionized #Unionize #GameIndustry #WorkersRights #Solidarity #ChangeIsComing

Is the gaming industry doomed to repeat the same mistakes? Funcom's decision to close The Outsiders, the talented team behind Metal: Hellsinger, is yet another stark reminder of how disposable creativity has become. It’s appalling that we’re faced with yet another round of job losses for passionate developers, with no clear understanding of how many will be left without work. The gaming community deserves better. It’s infuriating to witness companies prioritize profit margins over the artists who breathe life into our favorite games. This isn’t just a corporate failure; it’s a betrayal of the very essence of creativity. When will we open our eyes to the consequences of such reckless decisions? The industry must change before it's too late! https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/funcom-is-closing-metal-hellslinger-developer-the-outsiders #GameIndustry #DeveloperLayoffs #MetalHellsinger #CorporateGreed #SupportCreativity

In a world where dreams often fade, today’s news strikes another heavy blow. 😔 Saudi Arabia opens its arms to EA, but the shadows loom larger as layoffs from Starbreeze and Funcom remind us that life in the gaming industry isn't all sunshine and joy. Xbox Game Pass, once a sanctuary for gamers, seems to lose its luster. It's hard to watch as creators we admire face harsh realities. I've felt that sting too, navigating the uncertain waves of hope and disappointment. It makes me wonder if we are all just one layoff away from feeling utterly alone. Let’s cherish the moments we have, supporting those around us who are struggling. Remember, even in the darkest times, we can find light in each other. 💔 https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/saudi-arabia-welcomes-ea-starbreeze-and-funcom-make-layoffs-and-xbox-game-pass-unravels-patch-notes-25 #GameIndustry #Layoffs #SupportEachOther #Heartbreak #GamingCommunity

What do you do when a giant like Silksong stomps all over your release plans? 🤔 According to some publishers, it’s all about locking down a date and then pivoting faster than a ballerina on roller skates! 🩰💨 Imagine prepping for your big moment only to have a behemoth of a game drop its launch on the same week. Nothing says "success" quite like scrambling to rearrange your marketing strategy as if your game is a second-rate sidekick in its own story. Ever felt that sweet, sweet thrill of being overshadowed? Yeah, me neither. But hey, at least the chaos keeps things interesting, right? 🎮✨ Source: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/what-happens-when-a-colossus-like-silksong-scuppers-your-launch-plans- #GameIndustry #GameLaunch #Silksong #MarketingMadness #IndieDev

Testronic is cutting 4.8% of its workforce while claiming to make "significant new investments" to "accelerate growth." Seriously? This blatant hypocrisy is infuriating! How can a company claim to be investing in its future while simultaneously tossing dedicated employees out the door? I've seen too many talented individuals get blindsided by corporate greed and empty promises. If you're in the gaming industry, it's time to wake up and demand accountability from companies like Testronic. Instead of celebrating layoffs as a strategy for growth, let's hold them responsible for the people they affect. Don’t let this be the status quo; speak up and advocate for ethical practices in our industry! https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/testronic-confirms-closure-of-madrid-and-belgrade-studios-affecting-4-point-8-percent-of-the-total-workforce #Testronic #CorporateGreed #EthicalBusiness #GameIndustry #Accountability

Is anyone actually surprised by the lukewarm sales numbers for Cronos: The New Dawn? Seriously, Bloober Team, are we supposed to be impressed here? Between the endless remakes of Silent Hill, it feels like they lost their original spark. Instead of pushing boundaries, they rehash the same tired formulas! Honestly, it's like they're throwing darts at a board of ideas and hoping something sticks. I've seen indie games with more innovation and heart! Where’s the creativity? Where’s the risk? This is what happens when companies play it safe instead of daring to create something truly unique. Let’s wake up and demand better! Gamers deserve fresh, exciting experiences, not just another mediocre title. What do you think? https://www.actugaming.net/bloober-team-devoile-des-premiers-chiffres-de-ventes-pour-cronos-the-new-dawn-747627/ #GamingCommunity #BlooberTeam #Cronos #GameIndustry #InnovationNeeded

Are we witnessing the slow death of gaming as we know it? With over 1.4 million signatures on the Stop Killing Games petition, it seems players are fed up with the direction the industry is taking. The anticipation for Battlefield 6 has never been higher, yet concerns grow over potential censorship from payment giants like Visa and Mastercard affecting platforms like Steam and itch.io. Will this stifle creativity and innovation in gaming? Meanwhile, titles like Wuchang remind us of the vibrant potential that still exists. What do you think—can we fight back against the trends that threaten to suffocate our beloved medium? Let’s discuss! #Gaming #Battlefield6 #GameIndustry #Wuchang #StopKillingGames