Developers Unite Against Industry Hardships | This Week in Business

This week, the Game Developers Conference took place, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the gaming industry. However, amidst the excitement, a sense of frustration and discontent was palpable among developers. The conference saw a public demonstration, known as GDScream, where developers gathered to express their anger and disappointment with the current state of the industry. The event was organized by former Fortnite festival designer Scott Jon Siegel and former Epic Games producer Caryl Shaw, who aimed to create a moment of catharsis for developers fed up with mass layoffs, hate, and harassment in the industry. The GDScream was not just a reaction to recent issues but also a response to long-standing problems with how the industry treats its workforce. As one of the organizers, Siegel, explained, the goal was to create a moment of feeling good, camaraderie, and acknowledgment of the industry's problems. The demonstration was a simple yet powerful gesture, with dozens of developers screaming in unison. The scream was not just about recent issues but also about the passion and strength developers showed in calling for a better industry. The annual awards ceremonies also saw developers speaking out against greed, layoffs, and the mistreatment of workers. Larian Studios' CEO Swen Vincke, for example, used his acceptance speech to denounce the cycle of layoffs and greed in the industry. Other developers, such as Strange Scaffold founder Xalavier Nelson Jr. and Sony Santa Monica Studio's Alanah Pearce, also expressed their concerns and frustrations. The tone was set from the beginning, with Independent Game Festival chairperson Shawn Pierre addressing the layoffs and mistreatment of developers in his opening speech. The week was not just about negativity, however, as developers also spoke out about inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of creating a better industry. Indie icon Rami Ismail, for instance, called attention to the real-world crisis in Gaza and the importance of representation and inclusivity in games. As the Game Developers Conference comes to a close, it is clear that developers have had enough of being treated as expendable and ignored. The true message of GDC 2024 is one of resistance and determination, with developers demanding a better industry that values and respects its workforce. The industry needs to listen to these voices and take action to create a more sustainable and equitable environment for developers. With the rise of AI and new technologies, the gaming industry is at a crossroads, and it is up to developers to shape its future. As Epic Games' Saxs Persson noted, the company is now making each new season of Fortnite content solely using Unreal Engine for Fortnite, signifying a significant shift in the industry. Xbox's Katy Jo Wright also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that intentional inclusion is necessary to avoid unintentional exclusion. The week saw various other announcements, including the launch of new VR studio VRAL Games, the release of Ubisoft's new AI-powered non-player characters, and the announcement of a movie based on the series The Sims. Additionally, there were reports of layoffs, acquisitions, and revenue drops, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties facing the industry. Ultimately, the message from GDC 2024 is clear: developers will no longer be silenced or ignored, and the industry must listen to their demands for a better, more sustainable future.