Helldivers 2 Developers Reflect on Game Industry Challenges Post-Awards Success: “We Aim to Support All Voices”

Following Helldivers 2‘s achievement of four awards at the Golden Joysticks earlier this week, a developer from Arrowhead Game Studios addressed the current state of the gaming sector and the challenges that need to be addressed to resolve the issues affecting it.

In an interview regarding the game, Helldivers 2 production director Alex Bauwl stated that while it is indeed an “exciting time” for the releases in the gaming landscape, the industry overall is in somewhat unfortunate condition. “I believe the industry today is in quite a critical situation,” he remarks. “It’s vital to recognize that many games are being released, and it really is an exhilarating time…but we need to be aware that the gaming industry is facing turmoil, and we must support one another.”

In recent years, the gaming industry has been severely impacted by layoffs, with PC Gamer reporting about 11,250 individuals losing their jobs in 2023. In 2024, the situation has only deteriorated, with estimates from Eurogamer indicating that job losses between January and September alone have already reached 13,000.

A significant contributor to the layoffs in 2024 has been Microsoft, which has reportedly dismissed over 2,500 employees alone, resulting in numerous successful studios shutting down, including Tango Gameworks, known for Hi-Fi Rush, and Arkane Austin, the developer behind the Dishonored series and Redfall.

Regrettably, these layoffs show no indications of abating, with developers advocating for greater measures to protect the livelihoods of their colleagues and ensure that those responsible for making 2024 such a remarkable year for gaming can continue to make a lasting impact into the future.

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