Soldier Says [#2] -- AAA Layoffs an Opportunity for OUYA?

[SoldierMWS]

I'd like to quickly thank all of those who pitched in on the OUYA fund!
It was YOUR idea and YOU made it happen. Thank you so much!



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Are AAA Layoffs an OUYAtunity?
(sorry)

Near the end of a console generation, we tend to see a lot of layoffs from AAA studios. I daresay that as we near the inevitable release of PlayStation 4 and the next Xbox, the gaming industry has seen more layoffs than usual. Every single time layoffs are reported, the same reason is listed: corporate restructuring. Basically, it means that talented individuals are now jobless. More on this in a minute.

Today, High Moon Studios (Transformers, Deadpool) and Square Enix LA (Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Hitman) were hit with a wave of lay offs. Let's take a look at Activision's statement regarding the layoffs at High Moon Studios.

"Activision Publishing consistently works to align its costs with its revenues – this is an ongoing process. With the completion of development on Deadpool, we are taking a reduction in staff at High Moon Studios to better align our development talent against our slate. Approximately, 40 full-time employees will be impacted globally. We are offering those employees who are impacted outplacement counseling services."

Just last month, Activision (also the parent company of High Moon Studios) laid off numerous employees of Treyarch, now that Black Ops II is essentially in a DLC cycle. Let's take a look at Activision's statement regarding these layoffs.

"Like any successful business, Activision Publishing consistently works to align its costs with its revenues – this is an ongoing process. In 2013, we expect to release fewer games based on license properties and as a result are realigning our structure to better reflect the market opportunities and our slate. Approximately, 30 full-time employees have been impacted globally, which represents approximately one half of one percent of Activision Blizzard’s employee population. We are offering those employees who are impacted outplacement counseling services."

I've taken the liberty of highlighting the soullessness of the AAA gaming business. Hire a lot of people, make a game, fire a lot of people. That's how it works.

--- A Common Practice ---

As I cruised Twitter this evening, a couple of tweets echoed my thoughts.

These guys have been around the block a few times. They know what's up.

And so it begs the question: Is OUYA paying attention? It is disgusting to see so many technically skilled individuals floating around from one AAA dead end to the next. Sadly, this mass displacement of personnel is a common and accepted practice. Nature of the business. And the fact that such a ridiculous business practice is considered normal is, to me, a clear indicator of how desperately the gaming industry is in need of reform.

I hope that OUYA is watching. Liz Stewart, who will be laid off of Square Enix on June 28th according to this tweet, is an excellent PR Manager. OUYA should definitely look in to hiring her. Just saying.

Thanks for reading. Fall out.

I also uploaded a video to my YouTube channel talking mostly about the OUYA. Check it out if you like.

[RiotingSpectre]

OUYA should definitely get in touch with these people because their talent is both remarkable and unique. If we were to get some of these players onto the OUYA, who knows what we could accomplish in the gaming scene.

[Canobie]

Good video and great writing!

[SoldierMWS]

I really don't think putting these columns in separate sections was a good idea.

[AdyCarter]

Why so?

Traffic seems to be broadly the same? This article just seems to invite less comment/discussion than the last one. (although the fact this column was posted twice and one was deleted may be showing as less views)

While there may be a lot of talented people displaced at present aside from PR people I'm not sure most of the displaced (usually Dev) folks are of much use to Ouya unless they want to go first party, which imo is not the best plan right now.

[GreggHoush]

I think this is a great post. If its at all possible for people like us to gather up contact info for these people and ask them about the OUYA and possibly developing for it, we should.

[PolygonGaming]

I read your first post a couple of days ago, and just read this one, and I think they are wonderful; you know what you're talking about when you address the OUYA, and even the gaming industry. It's great.

In relation to this particular article, it would be nice if OUYA picked up on laid-off AAA developers; the only worry I have is that if AAA developers begin to develop for OUYA, will the OUYA's store eventually get filled with the recycled content that many AAA games on home consoles tend to follow? Then again; I suppose if that attracts people to the OUYA, then fair enough. To each their own, as the saying goes. It would just be sad to see any innovative games on the OUYA un-featured on the store due to the next Call of Duty taking up the featured space.

Also, your commentary in the video was good; but I couldn't watch it all as the video feed was of Call of Duty gameplay, which eventually makes my eyes burn. Sorry!

Keep up the good work!

[Jack_Mcslay]

As fas as I know, Ouya has no interest in creating game development teams. Also, most laid-off workers are artists and programmers, but rarely the producers, directors and game designers that good games require to flourish

[OUYAReview]

Congrats on the donation! This proves how much the community is sticking together to make this little gem a hit!

[SoldierMWS]

Traffic is nowhere near the same and the duplicate post maybe got one or two views before it was closed up. I dunno, I just think it spreads the content out too thinly.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Some good talking points being considered.