Larian Studios Director Says Mass Layoffs Are 'Avoidable' to Happen

In a recent interview with Game File, Michael Douse, the publishing director of Baldur's Gate 3, talked about the pressing issue of industry-wide layoffs that have plagued game developers over the past couple of years.

Douse labeled these layoffs as an "avoidable mess" and gaming giants can do something to avoid this financial setback.

The Unavoidable Nature of Layoffs

As IGN reports, Douse highlighted the avoidable nature of layoffs, emphasizing that they are not an inevitable aspect of the gaming industry. Drawing parallels to major gaming companies as massive oil tankers, he suggested that with proper planning and financial reserves, layoffs could be avoided. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of pleasing shareholders, Douse urged companies to prioritize the well-being of developers and plan better for unforeseen circumstances.

"But to prevent these giant operational failures that we call layoffs...they are an avoidable f*ck up. That's really all they are. That's why you see one after the other. Because companies are going: 'Well, finally. Now we can, too. We've wanted to do it for ages. Everyone else is. So why don't we?' That's really kind of sick," Douse told Game File.

Douse Says Companies Should Be Nimble

A key factor contributing to Baldur's Gate 3's success, according to Douse, is Larian Studios' nimbleness as a privately owned company.

Unlike publicly traded companies driven by shareholder interests, the BG3 developer has the flexibility to prioritize quality over financial gains. Douse highlighted the significance of being nimble in the gaming industry, where adaptability is crucial for success.

Marketing Strategies Need to Adapt

Douse discussed the evolving field of marketing in the gaming industry, emphasizing the diminishing relevance of traditional marketing methods on social media platforms. He argued that a game's success is determined by its social resonance rather than marketing efforts.

Drawing from Baldur's Gate 3's success, he pointed out the importance of meaningful engagement with players and the community.

In reflecting on the gaming industry's future, Douse drew parallels between Baldur's Gate 3's success and the rapid rise of Palworld. He celebrated Palworld's innovative approach and direct connection with players, contrasting it with traditional gaming analytics.

Furthermore, the director embraced the chaos and unpredictability of the gaming sector and the industry needs breathing room for innovation and adaptation.

In essence, Douse only wants the companies to prioritize creativity, adaptability, and meaningful engagement with players. This might be the solution to mitigate the mass layoffs that unfortunately bury the big gaming firms and even the small studios.

Speaking of gaming layoffs, Tech Times reported that Microsoft would axe several workers from subsidiary studios. As such, Sledgehammer Games, the developer behind Call of Duty: Vanguard and Skylanders developer Toys for Bob faced job cuts.

In other news, Larian Studios' boss Swen Vincke lauded what AI can do in the industry. However, he clarified that they did not need ChatGPT for dialogues since they needed real people to do the creative writing part.