Why Game Developers Keep Getting Laid Off

Why Game Developers Keep Getting Laid Off

“Layoffs are more than just losing a job; they’re gaining a mountain of uncertainty, stress and financial concerns,” one developer told me. “I have moved my family more than seven times over the last 16 years, across the country and up and down the west coast. I’m a pro at living with very few material possessions, as I grew tired of lugging them around. As you can imagine all those moves put an enormous stress on relationships, both personal and professional. Your circle of immediate friends shrinks to zero with every move.”

I really don’t understand why any great software engineer would work for these sort of companies. It’s not a sustainable life. I’d guess game companies hire 20-something developers much more than experienced devs for this very reason.