The Games Industry's Alarming Disregard for Layoffs

The games industry has a tendency to view layoffs as an unavoidable aspect of business, but this perspective overlooks the human cost and the long-term effects on employees and their families. When companies like Unity, Activision Blizzard, and Epic Games undergo significant layoffs, it is often framed as a necessary step to ensure the company's future success, but this rationale can be misleading. In reality, many of these layoffs are avoidable and are instead used as a means to appease shareholders and maintain profit margins. The impact of layoffs on individuals can be severe, particularly in countries like the US where healthcare is closely tied to employment. The story of Joshua Yehl, a laid-off IGN employee struggling with cancer, highlights the dire consequences of this approach. Industry leaders like John Riccitiello and Bobby Kotick have demonstrated a callous disregard for the human cost of layoffs, with Riccitiello comparing layoffs to eating vegetables and Kotick using them as a means to celebrate the company's financial performance. The games industry needs to reevaluate its approach to layoffs and prioritize the well-being of its employees. This includes providing transparent explanations for layoffs, offering adequate severance packages, and supporting employees during difficult times. Only by acknowledging the human cost of layoffs and taking steps to mitigate their impact can the industry begin to create a more sustainable and compassionate work environment.