Baldur's Gate 3 Publisher: Developers as 'Pirates' for a BioWare Reckoning

Recent layoffs at BioWare, developer of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have sparked a wider conversation about the gaming industry's current state. Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Daus, has again commented on social media, this time addressing the issue of industry layoffs. He emphasizes the importance of valuing employees and holding leadership accountable, rather than blaming rank-and-file workers:

Avoiding widespread layoffs between or after projects is achievable. Retaining institutional knowledge within the team is vital for future success.

While "trimming the fat" is often cited as a reason for such actions, and understandable given financial pressures, Daus questions the necessity of aggressive corporate efficiency. He argues that this approach, while perhaps justifiable with consistent hit releases, is ultimately a drastic cost-cutting measure, not a solution.

The core problem, he suggests, lies in the strategic decisions made by upper management, while the consequences disproportionately affect lower-level employees. He uses the analogy of a pirate ship, where the captain, not the crew, would be the first to be sacrificed. Daus concludes that video game companies should adopt a more responsible, less cutthroat approach to management.