Erin McIntyre’s Post

This week has been incredibly challenging for many, particularly with the unsettling wave of layoffs in various gaming companies. It's disheartening to realize that I might need to shift away from the gaming industry, despite obtaining a degree specifically focused on video games with the aim of enhancing people's lives. Video games serve as a vital escape for individuals trapped in the complexities of their daily lives. They provide a refuge to a fantasy realm, a space for pure enjoyment, and an avenue for self-expression without the fear of judgment. My aspiration was to contribute positively to people's lives through the gaming industry. However, the recent layoffs at Unity, Epic, and other major companies have cast a shadow over my prospects. Despite applying to over 100 jobs, finding employment seems like an insurmountable challenge. The financial pressures of surviving in Los Angeles add urgency to my situation. While my passion lies in gaming, the current circumstances, including the recent events at Epic, compel me to broaden my job search. Leveraging my substantial experience in the Tech Medical field, I am actively seeking opportunities in IT, QA, DevOps, Technical Sales, or SaaS-related positions. If anyone is aware of such openings, please do share them with me. My immediate goal is to secure a job to provide for my family. #RemoteWork #lookingforjobs #QAJobs #ITJobs #SaaSJobs #DevOpsJobs #TechnicalSalesJobs #TechJobs #MarketingJobs #CareerChange

Stop the hit-and-run BS, #gaming studios 🤬 Do better! Don't use the recent wave of Epic Games layoffs as a way to gain popularity. Don't just post-and-run about your #JobOpenings. Without answering folks in the comments. Telling them the proper way to contact you. Who's the right person to chat with. Etc. etc. Not to mention predatory resume writers. They try to sell the affected folks their services. These people could calculate how much money they've left in case they're not hired. If you wanna go for my throat for calling you out: I'm already working with laid-off folks to improve their messaging for recruiters. I've been answering all folks asking for help. And I'm doing it for $99999 multiplied by 0. Post if you mean to help. Get out of the way if you're a leech!

LAID OFF! A lot of professionals were victims of the streams of tech layoffs that happened earlier this year. Everyone was on the edge, not knowing what might happen if and when they do get laid off. Kashif Khan was one of the victims of the infamous tech layoffs - but this isn't a sad story, in fact, the layoff might have been a blessing in disguise as Kashif is now a head of product! In this video, join Dr. Nancy and Kashif as they discuss the process Kashif went through in order to bounce back from the tech layoffs and find a stronger career in the form of being a head of product! #productmanagement #product #career

Through the power of networking, do check Anna's profile.

Hey everyone, I'm also a part of the 2nd wave of layoffs at Relic as I've been put on notice as of today. Relic has been my home and the place where my dream came true of working in video games, and where I grew from a gaming nerd in uni to a proper game designer. Leaving is saddening, but I just wanted to share what a wonderful experience it has been for me otherwise. I've had the privilege of working on so many different parts of game-making, from singleplayer content to multiplayer balance to core systems iteration. I cannot express enough how I've simply fallen deeper in love with all that goes into a game as big as CoH3, and the people and teamwork it requires to get everything done. I've had so many great experiences here, from fixing that tiny but super annoying bug to completely overhauling the overall combat time in the entire game with spreadsheets dense enough to bury a man. I've had late nights iterating on technical systems like pathfinding and abilities, discussing their issues with engineers more in the language of arcane magic and poetic metaphor like why "the world is actually square" or about the depths of the "dark magic" driving the ability target system. I'll miss those long meetings where we debated through different designs and proposals in the pursuit to find the best system that will get players excited. There have also been many tribulations running the full gamut that most game designers are probably familiar with, but were all new experiences for me. From making important time estimates with limited information, or committing to decisions with uncertainty in scope or resource, these have been difficult trials that I've grown significantly from. This was only possible because of the strong mentorship and teamwork that those working with me at Relic provided, often out of just their own time and awesomeness. Thank you guys, really. I'm saddened to have to leave with the current circumstances, but I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities I've had to experience, to iterate, to fail but then improve, to share and learn from coworkers and players alike, working at a stellar company that was Relic. I now join many others in the search of new opportunities, and I'm eager to start a new journey with my new experience, skills and determination to make games.

Like many in the gaming industry, Devsisters USA faced layoffs, and I was among those affected. After my layoff in 2021, I faced uncertainty and shattered confidence. After ten months of interviews, rejections, and ghosting, I finally landed a position at Devsisters USA. Despite knowing little about the gaming industry beyond my love for gaming (I'm in the top 1% of Candy Crush players in the US and have played every PS4 and 5 horror game I can get my hands on), I seamlessly transitioned with the help and patience of my colleagues. Most importantly, my confidence returned. During my two years with the company, I grew in a new industry, honed my PR and communication skills, collaborated with some of the most talented people, and learned so much about myself. We worked on incredible projects, including collaborations with BTS and Disney. Not to mention game launches. Seeing our work in the world is a key takeaway, and I am thankful to have contributed to such a fantastic team. As I embark on my next adventure, I anticipate uncertainties, career transition anxieties, wavering confidence, and moments of hopelessness. Yet, I can rely on the certainty that something incredible awaits me. It happened before, and it will happen again. For everyone going through the same experience, my heart is with you, and please don't hesitate to reach out for any network introductions or pass along any leads you may have. Thank you to my US and global teammates for contributing to my success, growth, and wild and exciting ride. #ONWARD #opentowork #communications #publicrelations #gaming #film #mediaandentertainment

Here goes. Unfortunately adding my name to the list of so many affected by the recent layoffs in video games, tech, media, and entertainment---my position on the Take-Two legal team was eliminated last month as part of a global headcount reduction. It was a joy working at Take-Two supporting the games and studios. Every day I got to advise on interesting, exciting issues, help teams who are basically creating little worlds, and even appear in the credits of a Marvel game, which is a true bucket list item for me. I admire my colleagues so much, both at the studios and on the Publishing Legal team, and will miss working with all of them. Thankfully, I'm sure we will cross paths again in the future. I am obviously very sad to leave, especially under these circumstances, but I am focusing on what's next. Looking for a next chapter where I can build and draw on the skills I developed at Take-Two advising, managing, and protecting another exciting IP portfolio, so if you hear of any leads or opportunities, I'm around and always happy to chat. The manager who hired me liked to say that it takes about three years to fully sand off the edges of an outside counsel and internalize that in-house perspective---after three years there, I get what he meant, as I learned and developed so much that helped prepare me to jump into the next role. On the bright side, I now come pre-sanded, what a bargain that'll be for another company! For now, I hope my friends and colleagues there are doing well and will make it through to the other side of this rough stretch. At the risk of being vain, I also hope I made an impact, expanding and training up the enforcement team, developing relationships/trust between Legal and our various creative teams, and building out processes as best I could for the remaining team to succeed. In the meantime, in between job searching, I'm looking forward to getting out of the city for a bit, catching up on far too many books and games that have been piling up, and putting some extra time into constructing crosswords. Would love to catch up with folks in person in this lull, so please do hit me up for coffee or lunch---it's too easy to go a while without keeping in touch, especially the past few years, so let's fix that. Anyway, see you all in the funny papers.

It is really sad to hear the news of layoffs at Epic Games and Creative Assembly and to see my feed full of green banners. The thought of interviewing can be quite daunting, below are some tips I would recommend doing as well as a Dropbox shared by Amir Satvat of studios hiring and the roles: 💚 Click on the open to work sign ✏️ Send a custom follow-up after applying to relevant staff. (Talent Team, Head of Department or a member of the team) ✒️ Tidy up your CV, happy to review them if you aren’t sure. 🎮 Play some of the studio's games, it is a great talking point. Constructive feedback is normally welcome and shows your expertise. ✉️ Don’t leave it to chance, connect with the interviewer on LI, send them a thank you note and if you think you should have said or asked something, follow up and expand on what was missed. Dropbox: http://lnkd.in/eGJasnNR Anyone with questions or wanting tips on applying, how to prep for an interview and steps you can take post-interview, please reach out. I want to help in any way I can! Email me at christian@goodgametalent.io or drop me a message.

The next few years will be rough for game devs. It kind of started a year ago already with massive layoffs. Now Epic Games is laying off 900 developers. Just two days ago Sharlene and I were talking about this, and she said that the likelihood is we will see massive layoffs starting soon before the holidays because no company wants to layoff mid holiday season. We are also predicting that right after the holidays coming in new year right around end of Jan or start of February you will see more layoffs. I am no longer in games directly so I cannot help much on my end. But if you were affected and we know each other we can chat, I have connections all over and maybe can help suggest what doors to knock. Hope the best for you all who were affected! View this as a positive to find new fresh projects. Stay strong! Also, as a reminder if you find yourself in a very negative state, please prioritize your mental health! You were not laid off because you lack talent. You were laid off because the industry has been making bad decisions for a long time as a whole. Find your strength and reassurance that if you were affected you are valued, and many places would want to hire you. Use this as a strength to negotiate proper terms with studios, being part of Epic Games is a legacy in itself feel proud of the work you have all done! To my Epic Games family sorry this happened to you all! #layoffs #epicgames #gamedev

Seems like layoffs are in the news and social media almost daily! News of not only Sony, but others such as Refinery29/VICE, Expedia and counting in industries tech/media/logistics. I’m adding back into the chat how important having an Emergency Fund is and getting you a quick talk through on how to start with 1 month to handle the many that could come with being laid off. Also, if you are laid off — try to negotiate your severance terms! I talked about what to do if you’re laid off here: https://bit.ly/3vH6ufD Do you anticipate more layoffs? #layoffs #jobmarket #personalfinance