The recent layoffs at BioWare, the creators of the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have sparked significant discussion about the state of the gaming industry. Michael Daus, the publishing director of Larian Studios, has taken to social media to address these concerns, emphasizing the importance of valuing employees and holding decision-makers accountable.
Daus argues that layoffs, particularly those affecting large portions of development teams between or after projects, can be avoided. He stresses the importance of retaining institutional knowledge, which is crucial for the success of future projects. He critiques the common corporate practice of "trimming the fat" as a justification for layoffs, especially when companies are not consistently releasing successful titles. Daus suggests that this approach highlights the unnecessary aggression in corporate efficiency drives.
He points out that the strategy developed by higher-ups often leads to the suffering of those at the bottom of the corporate chain. Daus humorously suggests that video game companies should be managed like pirate ships, where the captain—those making the decisions—would be held accountable for the ship's fortunes, rather than the crew.
This conversation underscores a broader debate about corporate responsibility, employee value, and the sustainability of current business practices within the gaming industry.
