**Why Indiana Jones Developers Are Laughing at Layoffs (And You Should Too)**
Layoffs in the video game industry: the gift that keeps on giving—if you’re a corporate executive looking to save a buck. But while studios are axing developers faster than you can say “patch update,” a little gem of a game like *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* comes along to remind us that keeping your dev team intact for decades isn’t just possible—it’s downright genius. Oh, the irony.
What’s the Deal With All These Layoffs?
Ah, layoffs. The corporate world’s favorite pastime. The video game industry has been hit especially hard lately, with major studios slashing their workforce left and right. Companies like Epic Games and Unity have made headlines for layoffs that left hundreds of talented developers out in the cold. But hey, why invest in creativity and skill when you can just replace everyone with the next batch of overworked, underpaid recruits? Efficiency, am I right?
According to a report by Game Developer, over 6,000 workers in the gaming industry have been laid off in 2023 alone. That’s a lot of talent walking out the door while corporate overlords sip their lattes and pat themselves on the back for “streamlining operations.”
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Case Study in NOT Screwing Over Your Team
Enter Bethesda’s MachineGames, the team behind the upcoming *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.* Unlike most studios that treat developers like disposable coffee cups, MachineGames has managed to keep its team together for years. And surprise, surprise—they’ve created something genuinely exciting.
The game promises all the whip-cracking, treasure-hunting action you’d expect from an Indiana Jones title, but with one key difference: it’s the product of a cohesive team that actually knows what it’s doing. Imagine that! A game made by people who’ve worked together long enough to sync their creative visions. Revolutionary.
Why Keeping Teams Together Actually Works
For those of you scratching your heads wondering why a stable team produces better games, let me spell it out:
– **Institutional Knowledge:** Developers who’ve been with a company for years know the ins and outs of its tools, systems, and culture. They don’t need weeks—or months—of onboarding every time a new project starts.
– **Team Chemistry:** Years of collaboration build trust and understanding. Developers can anticipate each other’s moves like a well-oiled machine.
– **Creativity Thrives:** When developers aren’t constantly worried about losing their jobs, they have the mental space to innovate. Crazy, right?
Of course, keeping a team together requires something most executives seem allergic to: long-term investment. Why bother when you can just throw money at the problem and hope it goes away?
The Pros & Cons of Keeping Development Teams Together
For those of you who love a good list, here’s a quick breakdown:
**Pros:**
– Higher quality games (duh).
– Faster development cycles due to experienced teams.
– Lower turnover costs.
– Happier employees who might actually recommend your company to others.
**Cons:**
– You might have to pay people what they’re worth.
– Fewer excuses to “restructure” (a.k.a. fire people).
– Executives might have to think beyond quarterly profits.
Lessons for the Industry (That Will Probably Be Ignored)
The success of *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* should be a wake-up call for the gaming industry. But let’s be real—it won’t be. Most companies are too busy chasing the next big thing to focus on what actually works. Why keep a team together when you can just burn through developers like kindling?
But for those few studios brave enough to buck the trend, there’s hope. By investing in your people, you’re not just creating better games—you’re building a legacy. And isn’t that what gaming is all about?
Final Thoughts: Will We Learn or Repeat the Cycle?
So, what’s it going to be, game industry? Will you take a page out of MachineGames’ book and prioritize long-term success? Or will you keep playing layoff roulette until there’s no one left to make your games?
For gamers, the choice is clear: support studios that value their teams. And for developers, maybe it’s time to start asking, “What would Indiana Jones do?” Spoiler: He wouldn’t stick around for a company that treats its team like expendable extras.
Call to Action
Are you tired of seeing talented developers pushed out of the industry? Share this article to spread awareness about the importance of keeping dev teams intact. And if you’re a studio that’s doing things right, let us know in the comments—we’d love to highlight your story.
For more sarcastic takes on the tech industry, check out our piece on AI’s “benevolent” takeover of creativity. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your bi-weekly dose of tech snark.
