Thriving in the Games Industry Until 2025

The games industry is facing a tumultuous period, with ongoing layoffs and studio closures. However, developers and business leaders are sharing their advice on how to weather the storm. At Develop:Brighton, GamesIndustry.biz gathered a panel of experts to share their experiences and insights on surviving and thriving in the current landscape. Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP, shared a story from the early days of Eve Online, highlighting the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. He emphasized the need to be proactive in seeking funding and exploring different options to stay afloat. Caroline Marchal, CEO and creative director of Interior Night, stressed the value of seeking external advice and guidance. She encouraged smaller studios to seek out mentors or advisors who can provide objective feedback and help them make informed decisions. Ella Romanos, COO of Fundamentally Games, advised studios to take a step back and assess their current situation. She encouraged them to identify areas for improvement and pivot their strategy if necessary, rather than simply trying to ride out the storm. Ulas Karademir, chief technology officer of IO Interactive, discussed the challenges of fundraising and the importance of being proactive. He advised studios to start raising money as soon as they close a funding round, rather than waiting until they need it. Alexander Sliwinski, COO of Bithell Games, shared his approach to game development, which involves assuming that every game will be a flop and planning accordingly. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario and having a plan in place to mitigate risks. Jude Ower, founder and CEO of Playmob, suggested that developers don't need to aim for high-profile partnerships to be successful. She encouraged them to explore mid-tier brands and celebrities who are eager to get into gaming, as these partnerships can be just as valuable. Stefanía Guðrún Halldórsdóttir, CEO of Avalanche Studios Group, emphasized the importance of resilient leadership in difficult times. She encouraged leaders to prioritize their team's well-being and morale, as well as staying agile and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. Cinzia Musio, founder of Code Coven, highlighted the impact of layoffs on the remaining team members. She encouraged studios to invest in their people and prioritize their well-being, as this is essential for maintaining productivity and creativity. Moo Yu, creative director of Team Artichoke, advised developers to focus on their own strengths and weaknesses, rather than trying to guess what others want. He encouraged them to stay true to their vision and goals, and to avoid getting distracted by external pressures. Alyx Jones, founder of Silver Script Games, shared her experience of being laid off and starting her own company. She encouraged others to take risks and explore new opportunities, as this can lead to a more sustainable and responsible approach to game development. Andrew Eiche, CEO of Owlchemy, encouraged developers to breathe new life into their existing games, rather than always chasing new projects. He suggested that updating and expanding existing games can be a great way to attract new players and grow their audience. Gina Jackson, founder of Skillfull, offered advice for individuals looking to break into the games industry. She encouraged them to be proactive and seek out new opportunities, even if it means taking a non-traditional path. Nick Button-Brown, founder of Games Angels, observed that the investment landscape is improving, with more deals being made in recent months. However, he cautioned that it's still important to be selective and not take on bad deals. Tanya X. Short, founder of Kitfox Games, advised developers to be cautious when it comes to partnerships and collaborations. She encouraged them to prioritize their own goals and vision, and to avoid taking on deals that compromise their values or ownership. Charles Cecil, founder of Revolution Software, reminded developers that the current situation is not permanent and that the industry will eventually settle into a new normal. He encouraged them to stay adaptable and be prepared to exploit new opportunities as they emerge.