Navigating the Games Industry: Expert Advice for Survival and Success

The phrase 'survive until 2025' still resonates within the games industry, which is grappling with ongoing layoffs and studio closures. At the Develop:Brighton conference, industry professionals offered guidance on enduring these turbulent times. CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson shared a survival story from Eve Online's early years, highlighting the importance of securing funding. Caroline Marchal, CEO of Interior Night, stressed the value of seeking advice from a board of directors or similar experts. Ella Romanos, COO of Fundimentally Games, advised examining the root causes of business struggles and considering a pivot if necessary. IO Interactive's CTO Ulas Karademir emphasized the need to raise funds proactively, rather than when the company is in dire need. Alexander Sliwinski, COO of Bithell Games, suggested approaching each game with the assumption it will flop, allowing for more prudent planning. Jude Ower, founder and CEO of Playmob, recommended exploring partnerships with mid-tier brands and celebrities to boost game visibility. Stefanía Guðrún Halldórsdóttir, CEO of Avalanche Studios Group, emphasized the importance of resourceful leadership, preparing for uncertainties, and prioritizing team wellbeing. Cinzia Musio, of Code Coven, highlighted the need to support employees who remain after layoffs, as they too are affected by the uncertainty. Moo Yu, creative director of Team Artichoke, advised focusing inward to ensure business efficiency. Alyx Jones, founder of Silver Script Games, shared her experience of starting a new company after being laid off, demonstrating that sometimes change can lead to new opportunities. Andrew Eiche, CEO of Owlchemy, encouraged developers to refresh existing games to attract new players. Gina Jackson, founder of Skillfull, urged games professionals to explore new opportunities and build their skills. Nick Button-Brown, founder of Games Angels, noted an improvement in investment landscape in 2024. Kitfox Games' Tanya X. Short cautioned against accepting bad deals, recommending self-publishing for smaller studios. Revolution Software's Charles Cecil concluded by reminding the industry that the future will be different, with new challenges and opportunities emerging, and that developers should remain cautious and adaptable.