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    Game Devs at GDC Demand Change Amidst Internet Outrage
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    Game Devs at GDC Demand Change Amidst Internet Outrage

    By TZBMarch 26, 20247 Mins Read
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    A Moment of Catharsis​ at GDC 2024

    As the video game industry grapples ​with a wave of layoffs and instability, developers gathered at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco to vent their frustrations and unite ​in the ‌face of adversity. The conference served as a ‍crucial forum for game makers seeking to achieve real change amid ⁣a dark moment for the industry.

    The Moscone Center's North Hall is covered in GDC signage.
    Game Developers Conference

    The GDScream: A Collective Release

    The conference kicked off with the‍ “GDScream,” an event held in Yerba Buena Gardens, just outside the Moscone Center’s North Hall. Developers gathered to let out ‍a collective scream, expressing ⁢their frustrations with the current ‌state of the industry. The past three months have been particularly challenging, with​ major companies like Riot Games, Microsoft, PlayStation, and EA slashing hundreds ⁤of jobs ⁤each.

    Most cathartic at #gdc GDScream screaming at the state of the game industry. #unionize pic.twitter.com/XLqg1xZX8a

    Independent Games Festival Awards: A Platform for Change

    The ​Independent Games Festival Awards, ‍held on March 21, became a platform for developers to address issues ranging from layoffs to the conflict in Gaza. Shawn Pierre’s State of the⁣ Industry address summed up the‍ frustrations, receiving waves of applause from the ⁣audience:

    We’ve already seen thousands of people losing work this year because they’re not being valued the‌ way they should be. People are working overtime and on weekends only⁢ to⁣ be⁢ left⁤ behind after ⁢a game is completed. It’s unhealthy, it’s certainly not sustainable,​ and the end result of this is a weaker games industry for all of us.

    Independent Games Festival​ Awards ​and Game Developers Choice Awards ⁣Livestream | GDC 2024

    The ‍Sustainability Crisis and the Need for Change

    Dr. ​Jakin Vela from the International Game Developers Association highlighted the industry’s sustainability crisis ⁤and its impact on developers:

    If ⁤we have people who are concerned about losing ‌their jobs today,‌ tomorrow, or have already lost their⁢ jobs, how are we keeping people⁣ in this industry to sustain⁢ its growth? People are legitimizing the profession across‍ nations, ⁣our governments are ​funding games, yet how are we going to keep developers ​if the industry is making them disposable?

    While the challenges ‍faced by the industry are not new, as noted by Jordan Mechner, creator of Prince of Persia,⁣ the current moment feels particularly⁤ dire. The industry’s cyclical nature can be seen as either comforting or‍ disheartening, depending on one’s perspective.

    In some ​ways, it’s always the best of times and the worst of times. The industry is so big‍ now; it’s not just one thing … There are wonderful​ games being made​ with all of the challenges, and I think that’s always been the case, but every new twist in the industry brings its own opportunities and challenges.

    Looking ⁣Forward: Finding Solutions and Hope

    As ‍the video​ game industry navigates through this challenging period, ​developers at‌ GDC 2024 united to find solutions and hope for the future. The conference served as a reminder ⁢of the resilience and passion that drives the⁤ gaming community, ​even in the face of adversity.

    Developers Seek Systematic Change‍ in the Gaming Industry

    At the Game Developers Conference (GDC), game makers gathered to discuss the challenges they face ‌and brainstorm solutions. The issues are multifaceted,‌ requiring a comprehensive approach to create lasting change in⁢ the industry.

    The Cycle of Contraction and Expansion

    The gaming industry experiences cycles of‌ growth and ⁣decline, but systematic changes are needed for sustainable progress. As game developer Vela points out, “One person isn’t going to be able to do that. It’s societal structures of ⁣change that are required to be sustainable.”

    Developers speak‍ on a panel⁢ at Game Developers Conference 2024.
    Game Developers Conference

    Addressing Platform Challenges and Diversity

    Developers expressed a desire for meaningful competition to ⁢ Steam, citing high ‍fees and inadequate protection from review bombing. ⁤They also emphasized the importance of hiring and retaining diverse ​talent, recognizing that greater diversity of thought leads to better games.

    We talk a lot ‍about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’ve been on⁣ that journey ⁣for quite a while, but‌ it’s still ⁣a journey. It’s still not there. For example, in my area of⁢ data science, it’s still not as diverse as I would like it to be. I think that goes for all the parts of companies overall. We ⁤still can do better.

    GDC featured numerous⁤ panels on inclusivity, but online detractors misinterpreted this emphasis as “forced diversity.” Developers ​called on platform holders and studios to take strong stances against online harassment and protect workers.

    There’s no place ⁢for harassment in this industry. We just need to squash it like a bug.

    Supporting⁤ Indie Developers and Creative Work

    Independent developers face challenges in‍ securing ⁣funding, which‍ threatens the existence of ‌the video game industry at all levels. Caelan Pollock, Creative‍ Director of ‍ Another Crab’s Treasure, explains that indie games are an essential part of the gaming ⁤ecosystem, as they ⁣often produce interesting and creative work not seen ⁢in AAA titles.

    The Call for People-First Studios ⁤and Accountability

    Developers‍ emphasized the⁣ need for more help and accountability from executives ⁤at the top of the industry. They advocated ‍for people-first studios that actively listen to and support their employees.

    Systematically, I would change the way businesses go about supporting their employees. I would love to see people-first studios always. And I know there’s going⁣ to be arguments for the bottom line⁤ and ‘you‍ can’t have a business if ​you don’t have money!’ I​ get that, it’s the system we ‌live in. But what⁢ if we had people-first studios? What if we listened⁣ actively and empathetically to our employees and made⁢ changes based on the​ feedback that we got? That‍ would be great!

    Xalavier Nelson Jr. gives‌ a speech at Game⁣ Developers Conference 2024.
    Game Developers Conference

    Abubakar Salim, Creative Director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, called for industry leaders to ‍foster a more ‌creative vision that isn’t ‌solely focused on profit. He highlighted the importance of programs like EA Originals, which give opportunities to developers to create inspiring and impactful games.

    [I want] more of​ these ‌companies in these big roles that ⁢have the power to change a lot to make the leap ⁤and change! You look at something like ⁢the EA Original program; they gave ⁣me a shot to‌ make this, which is already touching many lives and inspiring people to make games. We need more of that, and we need ⁤more people‍ in these ⁣positions​ of power to make those kinds of daring choices that feel risky but, at⁤ the same time, champion art. The more⁢ we lean‌ into that, and the more we get away from commerciality, the⁢ better ⁤content we’ll receive ​and the much nicer people will be.

    In conclusion, developers at GDC came⁤ with a clear⁢ message: change is necessary for the gaming industry⁣ to thrive. By addressing systematic ​issues, fostering​ diversity, supporting indie developers, and prioritizing people over profits, the industry can create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

    The‍ Pursuit⁤ of Sustainability in the Gaming Industry

    At the ⁢Game Developers ⁢Conference (GDC) 2024,‌ a common theme​ emerged among the attendees: the⁢ desire for a more sustainable future in the gaming industry. ⁣Despite the diverse range of responses to the question of what one change they wanted to see, everyone seemed to be⁤ striving for the same goal.

    Sarah Elmaleh, ⁢voice actress ⁤and chair of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Negotiating Committee, encapsulated this sentiment in a single word: “Sustainability.” Her immediate response highlighted the pressing need for⁢ the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and create a⁤ healthier ‌work ​environment for all involved.

    A Unified Vision for the Future

    The ⁤gaming industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, but with that growth ‌comes the responsibility⁤ to​ ensure that the industry remains viable and healthy for years to come. The call for sustainability at GDC 2024 reflects a⁣ growing awareness of the challenges facing the⁣ industry, from the well-being of developers to the environmental impact ‌of gaming hardware and⁣ software production.

    “Sustainability,” Elmaleh said without so much as a second of ⁣hesitation.

    Elmaleh’s concise ⁤answer speaks volumes ⁣about the urgency of the issue and the⁣ need for‌ action. As the industry continues to evolve ​and expand, it is crucial that sustainability remains at the forefront of the conversation, guiding decisions and shaping the future of gaming.

    GDC 2024 GDScream Independent Games Festival Awards International Game Developers Association Riot Games
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    View 3 Comments

    3 Comments

    1. NarrativeNavigator on April 15, 2024 6:33 pm

      At GDC, the air’s thick with game devs’ frustration; a testament to the power of internet outrage, but will it be the catalyst for actual change

      Reply
    2. Daniel L. Hayes on April 21, 2024 7:13 pm

      Game developers at GDC are fed up and they’re not going to take it anymore; wonder if their outcry will shift the industry or just fade into the background noise.

      Reply
    3. Matthew C. Hall on April 28, 2024 10:07 pm

      Clearly, the game devs’ fuse has been lit by online backlash, but will their demands spark real reform, or just more memes

      Reply
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