Game Design Geek

I’m here in Phoenix with family and there is plenty of turkey and ham.  I gotta tell ya it was nice to get away for a few days and not have to worry about things.  Its been a very weird year, with the economy in the toilet and all layoffs and studio closings.  I think if you are in the game industry right now and you are working, that’s a good thing.  But for my friends out there that have been laid off and aren’t working, my thoughts are with you.

I have been playing Supreme Commander and Raving Rabbids TV party with my nephew.  I think he also likes spongebob.  I haven’t really looked at the game since we shipped.  Man were there some bugs   I do think its a great game and kids that I have seen play it really do like it.

I have had a lot of people ask me what game I’m working on right now.  I would love to let you know, and when I can, I will.  Until then just know that I am slaving away.  Actually I’m not slaving, I’m not a lead on this project so I am working very regular hours.  I have to admit that the extra time is nice, and I have been loving not having so much pressure on me.

I don’t think there is any one in the game industry that’s getting a whole lot of sleep in the last few weeks. With the economy in a seemingly unstoppable death spiral, many have started to question the axiom that the video game industry was recession-proof. We have seen the closing of many studios in the last few months including 5 just from THQ alone. 600 plus jobs from EA, and the cancellation of some very high profile projects. No one including myself has been spared. I have many close friends out of work right now as well. Some have been out of work since the summer. I really don’t know how long some of them can hold on.

So how long will this last? It’s anyone’s guess, but my own gut says we’re far from the bottom. And it’s going to get far worse before it gets better. So if you have a job, be thankful, and keep your fingers crossed that I’m wrong.