Ex-Sony boss says laid-off game developers should 'drive an Uber'
Chris Deering, the former President of Sony's Computer Entertainment division in Europe, has offered unconventional advice to game developers recently laid off by the company. During an interview with journalist Simon Parkin, Deering suggested that these individuals should consider taking a year off or find temporary employment such as driving for Uber. This advice comes in the wake of Sony's announcement earlier this year about its plan to lay off approximately 900 employees and shut down PlayStation Studios's London branch.
Deering's perspective on Sony's layoffs
Deering, who played a significant role in the launch of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 in Europe, defended Sony's decision to reduce its workforce. He rejected claims that these layoffs were solely due to corporate greed. "I don't think it's fair to say that the resulting layoffs have been greed," Deering stated on the podcast. He further explained that fluctuations in consumer spending and declining game sales affect Sony's ability to fund new projects, necessitating some staff reductions.
Deering's advice amid industry layoffs
Deering stated that those affected will need to adapt. "You're going to have to figure out how to get through it, drive an Uber, or whatever. Find a cheap place to live and go to the beach for a year," he suggested. His comments come at a time when other major players in the gaming industry like Microsoft and Unity have also downsized their studios this year due to declining game sales and a shrinking gamer demographic.
Deering's optimism for game developers' future
Despite the current challenges, Deering expressed optimism about the future prospects of game developers. "Game development skill is not going to be a lifetime of poverty or limitation. It's still where the action is," he said, indicating his belief in the enduring value and potential of skills in this field. The video game industry has witnessed significant staff reductions throughout 2023 and 2024. Data from Statista suggests over 22,250 employees have lost their jobs between January 2023 and June 2024.
