Here's how you can transform a game design layoff into an opportunity for entrepreneurship or freelancing.

Hey LinkedIn, people who come here looking for jobs after being laid off shouldn't be made to feel like it's their failure to "correctly adapt", or that they failed to "embrace change" in the face of this recent violent upheaval imposed on their lives for overwhelmingly bad reasons by people who clearly do not care to give them "new opportunities" to invest in "emerging trends", all through a prompt which *itself* has been partially crafted by an AI. This is all unbelievably gross.

Layoffs of any kind in any job can be disheartening. However, it can also serve as a point for growth and opportunity. It can give us the chance to grow more not only in skill but also in developing our attitudes, such as patience, perseverance, resilience and adaptability. Take this time between opportunities to improve one's self and by result improving your chances at getting to the next stage of your career on better footing.

Reflect on skills gained, identify niche markets or freelance opportunities, build a portfolio, network with industry contacts, and consider starting your own game development venture.

First off realize, this was not your fault. There were many things at play, but you were most likely not one of them. Then you pick yourself up from the floor, you look around and you think, do you want to keep doing this? If the answer is no, you have an opportunity to start doing something new. If the answer is yes, you have accrued valuable experience and this experience will hopefully help you find your next job. And you can take it personally, you lost your job. You did however not lose your skills, your humanity or your value as a person. You are still awesome and the right company will be lucky to have you, so go out there and keep doing what you do best!

Facing a game design layoff can be disheartening, but it's also a chance for transformation. Embracing change is key; view it not as an end but as a new beginning. Start by assessing your skills and passions—perhaps there's a niche in the market you've always wanted to explore. Use this time to refine your craft, build your portfolio, and network within the industry. Consider freelancing, offering your expertise to various projects, or even launching your own game development venture. Embracing change opens doors to unforeseen opportunities, turning a setback into a springboard for entrepreneurial success.

If you have been doing your job well, you will know your strong points. To put them to good use, a strong network will be your key for work-for-hire opportunities. A layoff disrupts your daily schedule but jumping on an entrepreneurial journey is not just about being laid off and have nothing else to do, but it takes a full set of skills that you might not yet possess. It might be time to meet up with people that have entrepreneurial knowledge and get more guidance.

Networking isn't just about swapping business cards; it's about fostering genuine connections that open doors. Whether reaching out to former colleagues, joining online forums, or attending virtual industry events, every interaction is an opportunity. In the game industry, relationships can be as vital as skills, offering not just freelance gigs but also invaluable support and insights. Build your network wisely, for within it lies the power to propel your career forward in unexpected ways.

Networking holds immense power in navigating career transitions, especially in fields like game design. Leverage your existing connections within the industry, attend industry events, and engage in online communities to expand your network. Foster genuine relationships with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators; you never know where a connection might lead. Building a strong network can provide valuable insights, job opportunities, and even partnerships for entrepreneurial endeavors. It's not just about who you know, but how you nurture those connections to create opportunities and support your professional journey.

Instead of just superficial interactions, prioritize building meaningful connections with professionals, peers, and mentors in the industry. Foster genuine relationships by offering value, whether it's sharing knowledge, providing support, or working together on projects. Your network can be a valuable resource for freelance opportunities, partnerships, job prospects, and guidance as you navigate your creative journey. Remember, in the game industry, relationships often play a crucial role in opening doors and propelling your career forward. Esteemed figures like Amy Hennig have emphasized the significance of networking in promoting collaboration and innovation in game development

While networking helps you find opportunities, focusing on a specific niche within the industry can set you apart. Identify a segment that’s underserved - like VR game development or educational gaming - and become an expert. This specialization not only makes your services more attractive but also increases the likelihood of referrals within your network. Use this time to also sharpen your skills in this niche, positioning yourself as the go-to expert.

Building a portfolio is necessary for showcasing skills and the uniqueness of work. Game design is a skill like leadership, which can only be better with time and working on projects. Adding these projects to a portfolio can highlight unique and creative skills developed over time. Furthermore, building a portfolio with many projects showcases the field's dedication, which is essential to becoming an entrepreneur or freelancer.

Building a robust portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and experience in game design. Start by selecting your best work—whether it's game prototypes, concept art, level designs, or any other relevant projects. Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strengths and the type of work you want to attract, whether it's mobile games, indie projects, or AAA titles. Include detailed descriptions of each project, explaining your role, contributions, and any challenges you overcame. Consider adding personal projects or freelance work to demonstrate your versatility and initiative. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects and skills to stay relevant and competitive in the industry.

It is crucial to curate a narrative that emphasizes your unique design philosophy and your vision for the future of gaming. Incorporating case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and creative process is also important. Remember, your portfolio is not just a static compilation of past work; it is a dynamic storytelling tool that conveys your passion, expertise, and potential impact on the industry. I have observed how studios like Thatgamecompany have utilized their portfolio to not only showcase past achievements but also articulate a bold vision for the future of interactive entertainment.

A well-crafted portfolio is crucial, but diversifying it to include cross-platform projects can greatly enhance its appeal. Showcasing your ability to adapt designs for different technologies—such as mobile, PC, console, and even AR/VR—demonstrates a versatile skill set that appeals to a broader range of clients and investors. Including projects that highlight your expertise in emerging tech can also set you apart in a competitive market. This approach not only displays your technical skills but also your foresight in following gaming trends and adapting to new platforms.

capitalize on your game design expertise by offering specialized consulting services or workshops to diversify your income and reduce financial risks. Remember, financial stability is more than just getting by—it's about empowering yourself to invest in your creative pursuits and pursue opportunities that align with your passion and skills. Based on my own experience, I've seen how strategic financial planning, combined with innovative income generation methods, can propel you from layoffs to entrepreneurial success, as demonstrated by indie studios such as Supergiant Games, who effectively used crowdfunding and community involvement to finance their projects.

Financial planning is crucial when transitioning from game design employment to entrepreneurship or freelancing. Start by assessing your current financial situation, including savings, expenses, and any outstanding debts. Create a budget to manage your finances effectively during the transition period, accounting for both personal and business expenses. Set aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs and fluctuations in income. Research the potential costs of starting your own business or freelancing, including equipment, software, marketing, and legal fees. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.

Marketing yourself effectively is essential for success in entrepreneurship or freelancing in the game design industry. Start by defining your unique selling proposition—what sets you apart from others in the field. Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your skills, personality, and values, and ensure consistency across all your marketing channels, including your portfolio, website, social media profiles, and business cards. Create a compelling online presence by showcasing your work, sharing industry insights, and engaging with your audience on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and specialized forums. Consider creating content such as blog posts, tutorials, or videos to demonstrate your expertise.

By hosting live design sessions or joining community discussions, you not only demonstrate your skills but also gain a loyal following. Engaging with niche communities in your game design field can reveal collaboration opportunities or potential clients. Remember, effective marketing goes beyond showcasing your skills; it's about forming genuine connections and highlighting your unique design approach. This strategy is based on my observation of how direct engagement with niche communities can lead to meaningful connections, as demonstrated by successful indie game launches like "Hades," which thrived on interacting with its community throughout development.

Continuous learning is vital for staying relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving field of game design. Commit to lifelong learning by staying updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new design methodologies. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences to expand your knowledge and skills. Explore a diverse range of topics beyond your primary expertise, such as game mechanics, storytelling, user experience design, programming languages, and project management. Experiment with new tools, software, and techniques to broaden your skill set and adapt to changing industry demands.

Challenging yourself is the key to growing. Never blueprinted that before? Well... might as well try. I've learned a far share experimenting with the Unreal engine. I remember starting off trying to figure out what a Boolean was. Now I'm integrating invenotory systems-crafting systems- to quest systems all that run together. Some trial and error

You can just use some of your trust fund money and invest in bro tech ai. Blammo. I have to add more characters apparently. Blammo. Cash. Money money. Privilege. LinkedIn has changed for the worse since AI. Please kill it. The AI I mean. Bye.

The skills you utilized at a large studio are such a tiny fraction of the skillset needed for starting your own studio. You'll need to wear many hats and have a diverse understanding of skillsets and be able to understand the surface level knowledge in all of these areas. Cofounders that compliment you, skills that don't match your own go a long way!

Buck the System! If you are behind an NDA, divulge as much as you can, legally, to showcase your abilities and what you have achieved while still being respectful of the IP owner. Ask permission for what you can showcase, as you never know what you will be able to publicly display. This can benefit both you and the company, so press the matter. In these times of canceled titles, this seems to be more pressing than ever to land your next gig.

Corporations are now trying to sell you the idea that layoffs are actually opportunities in disguise? Seriously? The best advice I can give those in the games industry right now is to apply to everything you even think you might want to do or are capable of doing, even if you think your job is safe. Publishers do not care about you. Major shareholders and those with a vested interest in profits do not care about you. If you are worth more dead than alive, they'll throw you in the casket and make you sign an NDA so you can't talk about how horrible the entire experience was. Always be looking out for yourself. If you can, find like-minded creatives, form your own company, and make amazing art. We will buy it from you. <3