Here's how you can rebound after a layoff in the gaming industry.

Identify areas for improvement and upskilling to remain competitive. Reach out to industry connections, update your portfolio, and consider freelancing or contract work to stay active. Stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities. Leverage online platforms and communities for networking and job hunting. Stay positive, resilient, and adaptable to rebound effectively in the gaming industry.

I feel that in some ways this is a double edged sword. On the one hand, leveling up your skills is and will always be the best thing a person can do to grow as an artist and make yourself stand out. On the other hand, I see artists that have amazing talent and have years of real world studio experience who are having difficulty finding a job right now. To say it’s daunting as a junior animator trying to land that first real opportunity at a studio on this job market is an understatement. It’s times like this however that really show how much you truly love your craft when it seems like every door of opportunity is closed.

Create and maintain a solid and healthy network. Provide constructive feedback to your peers and also learn on how to receive feedback. Improve yor skills, NEVER stop working at your portfolio, even you are already into the industry

After a layoff in the gaming industry, start by assessing your current situation realistically. Identify your financial status, review your savings, and calculate how long you can manage without income. Reflect on your skills and experience to determine your strengths and areas for improvement. Consider the state of the industry and job market trends to gauge your employment prospects. This honest evaluation will help you plan effectively, whether it involves seeking a new job in gaming, enhancing your skills, or possibly exploring opportunities in related fields.

I like this point, I personally went through a layoff from the first gaming company I started working with back in Kenya. The most important thing to always do while working at any company and industry is to make sure you have a clear way to save some part of your salary. The savings really helped me push through 3 months of unemployment.

Start by auditing your resume and portfolio, and compare content to what's relevant or modern in the game and realtime sectors. Pertinent experience, even for a seasoned senior, should cover only the last 10-15 years. (any earlier experience can be listed briefly as "Additional Experience"). Make sure your resume conveys the key requirements, as well as future-oriented 'nice to haves', for the position. Build an ATS version of your resume, so that it can more easily be parsed and identified by recruitment aggregators. Add captions (annotations or interstitials) to your demo reel, describing each clip, so there is no question what the hiring managers are watching and reviewing.

Following a layoff in the gaming business, updating your resume is an important step. Begin by reviewing your most recent employment experiences, highlighting any new skills, projects, and tasks you embarked on. Tailor your CV to showcase skills that are relevant to the opportunities you are applying for. For example, if you're seeking for game development jobs, highlight your technical abilities and software understanding. Include any related schooling, certificates, or side projects that you performed throughout your employment. To attract the attention of gaming industry recruiters, make your CV succinct, straightforward, and visually appealing.

It is really hard when you have to start over again, but it is harder when you want to rebound but don't prepare for it. That is why for me, keeping my resume/cv updated, fact checking, self analysization and self development is a must once in a while.

Networking is above all the #1 way you will land a job in games. Currently, your odds of landing a games job within 12 months with no industry experience is 2-5%. Currently, your odds of landing a games job within 12 months with professional experience is 20-25%. As a result, what we're consistently hearing is those who are getting hired are getting hired by bumping into the right people. It doesn't need to be complicated or intimidating. Go to events, online and in person. GDC, IGDA chapter meetups, other game dev and gaming events, and just chat. Also cold call cool people, especially those 1-2 years ahead of you in experience, and ask for advice. It only takes one person to change your life. ✨

When you really don't want to communicate with them once you leave, there will be a time or a chance that you will be needing your past colleague..... why???? Because you are in a small world of gaming industry and everything is connected, so keep your network alive.

To remain competitive and relevant, prioritize the development of your skills and knowledge. Consider taking online classes in popular game production tools and programming languages like Unity, Unreal Engine, C++. Attend webinars and workshops to stay current on industry trends and innovations. Engage in self-directed projects or contribute to open-source gaming projects to gain new skills and demonstrate your expertise. This continual education will not only strengthen your résumé, but will also prepare you for new prospects in a rapidly changing sector.

The gaming industry is ever-evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Use this downtime to learn new skills or sharpen existing ones

Take the time to rediscover your interest and passion. If you want to switch things up and try a different aspect of game dev, you can absolutely make interesting and engaging content about it! The process of making something new can often spark inspiration and help with the rebound from a layoff. Finding that creative drive for your own projects can re-invigorate!

Content creators and events play a vital role in the industry. Content creators, such as streamers, streamers and YouTubers, serve as influential voices that drive community engagement. They bridge the gap between developers and the gaming community, providing feedback and fostering a sense of belonging among players. Meanwhile, gaming events, from conventions to esports tournaments, create platforms for networking, showcasing new developments, and celebrating gaming culture. These events not only generate excitement and publicity but also offer invaluable opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the industry. Together, content creators and events help shape the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of gaming.

Unemployment can take a toll on your mental health. As much as we want to put on a brave face, the sheer uncertainty and worry of being without employment can sometimes weigh us down. Find self-care methods, such as daily affirmations, journaling, exercising, or checking in with a therapist if things get too rough. Maintaining your mental health is key for your job search and life.

Staying positive is a must! From everything I’ve collected in trying to break into this industry, what keeps me going is staying positive & being persistent. Not only does this help with getting the job, but it also brings others together through laughs & memories, as well as boosting mentality overall. I’ve been shot down due to not having enough experience, or having the right degree, but I know this is the field I want to get into so I have to keep my head high. My advice is to learn new skills/programing languages, and refine the skills you do have. Even if you don’t have the proper skills now, you can always learn and grow. It all comes back to staying positive. You got this! 😊

Patience, patience, patience.... comes with a posituve attitude that will help one from laying off. I believe that if it is for you, it will give to you at the right moment. Just stay focus and keep on believing that you will succeed soon.

Always remember that your experience will be your best wingman. It sucks to get laid off, but you can look at it as a new lease of life for you to try out new opportunities out there. It won't be easy, but being laid off will never define your character and it definitely won't downplay all the accomplishments you have done in the industry.

Feel better first: It's okay to be upset. Talk to friends and family for support. Job hunt time! Update your resume showing off your awesome game skills. Look for jobs outside your usual game area too. Network like crazy: Talk to people at game events and online. Let everyone know you're looking for a new gig. Be ready to interview: Practice answering questions about the layoff. Focus on your skills, not what happened

It took me 7 months before I got to find employment after my last job in the gaming industry. I felt upset at the fact that I got laid off, but those 7 months helped me refreshed my mindset and better prepare myself for the next opportunity. Just keep updating your resume, send out job applications, and always try to go out of your comfort zone.