Last updated on Mar 25, 2024

What do you do if you're facing the emotional aftermath of a game development layoff?

Losing your job as a game developer can be devastating, especially if you invested a lot of time, energy, and passion into your project. You may feel angry, sad, betrayed, or hopeless about your future. But you don't have to let these emotions consume you or stop you from pursuing your dreams. Here are some tips on how to cope with the emotional aftermath of a game development layoff and move forward with your career.

Key takeaways from this article

Seek support:

Connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Support groups and professional help can alleviate feelings of shame or guilt after a layoff, reminding you that it’s not your fault.
Refocus and act:

Take inventory of your talents, achievements, and networks. Then, craft a new vision for your career path and take concrete steps to bring that vision to life.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Acknowledge your feelings

The first step to healing is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Don't try to suppress or ignore them, as they will only fester and worsen over time. Instead, allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling, whether it is grief, frustration, resentment, or fear. Express your emotions in a healthy way, such as writing, talking, crying, or exercising. You may also want to seek professional help or join a support group if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma.

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Jennifer Lane

General Manager, Another Axiom | Leadership | Production | Design | Live Direction | Women in Games Ambassador
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While you should absolutely feel what you're feeling without question, many people going through layoffs experience shame or guilt. It's especially important to seek support if you carry this burden on top of the other feelings you may be experiencing. While layoffs impact you at a personal level, they are business decisions and not a result of something you caused.

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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It's important to acknowledge and accept your feelings, whether it's shock, anger, sadness, or anxiety. It's normal to experience a range of emotions during this time. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who can offer emotional support. Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be very helpful.

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2 Take care of yourself

The second step to coping is to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Losing your job can take a toll on your health, so make sure you eat well, sleep enough, and stay active. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, drugs, or binge-watching. Instead, find activities that make you happy, such as hobbies, games, or socializing. You may also want to practice some self-care techniques, such as meditation, breathing, or gratitude.

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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Practice self-care by engaging in activities that help you relax and de-stress. This might include exercise, meditation, spending time outdoors, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.

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3 Assess your situation

The third step to moving on is to assess your situation realistically and objectively. Don't blame yourself or others for what happened, as it will only make you feel worse. Instead, focus on the facts and the lessons you learned from your experience. Ask yourself what skills, strengths, and achievements you have as a game developer, and what areas you need to improve or learn. Also, consider what kind of games you want to make, and what kind of work environment you prefer.

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Gonzalo Girault

Hypergon-Powered by HI (Human Intelligence) Desarrollando la siguiente generación de comunicación interactiva #Roblox #Fortnie #UE #Unity #Gaming #Mexico
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Es una situación muy difícil, en cualquier industria, pero nunca te la tomes personal (a menos que tú despido sea consecuencia directa de tus actos). Es difícil pero no es el fin del mundo, trata de re-enfocar la situación. Evalúa tus talentos, tus logros, tu red de conocidos y la red laboral que tienes. Crea una visión para tu nuevo trayecto y entra en acción para lograrlo

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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While it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of your situation, try to focus on the things you can control. This might include updating your resume, networking, or exploring new career opportunities.

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4 Update your portfolio

The fourth step to advancing your career is to update your portfolio with your latest work and achievements. Your portfolio is your best way to showcase your talent and potential as a game developer, so make sure it is polished, professional, and relevant. Include samples of your code, art, design, or audio, as well as links to your games, demos, or prototypes. You may also want to add testimonials, awards, or recognition from your previous employers, clients, or peers.

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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Take some time to evaluate your career goals and consider whether you want to continue working in the game development industry or explore other options. This could be an opportunity to pursue a new path or develop new skills.

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5 Network with others

The fifth step to finding new opportunities is to network with other game developers and industry professionals. Networking can help you learn from others, get feedback, find mentors, or discover collaborations. You can network online, through social media, forums, blogs, or podcasts, or offline, through events, meetups, conferences, or workshops. You may also want to join or create a game development community, where you can share your ideas, projects, or challenges.

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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While it's difficult, try to maintain a positive outlook and remind yourself that layoffs are often not a reflection of your skills or worth as a person. Stay resilient and believe in your ability to overcome this setback. Network with different industry people lead to a great result

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6 Explore your options

The sixth step to landing a new job is to explore your options and apply for the ones that suit your goals and interests. You can look for game development jobs on various platforms, such as websites, newsletters, or job boards, or create your own opportunities, such as freelancing, consulting, or starting your own studio. You may also want to diversify your income streams, such as by selling your assets, teaching, or crowdfunding. Whatever you choose, be persistent, flexible, and optimistic.

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the layoff, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Yasharka Bhattacharyya

Founder and CEO of Titla Studio
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Remember that it's okay to take some time to process your emotions and that it's possible to come out of this experience stronger and more resilient.

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What do you do if you're facing the emotional aftermath of a game development layoff?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge your feelings

2 Take care of yourself

3 Assess your situation

4 Update your portfolio

5 Network with others

6 Explore your options

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

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What do you do if you're facing the emotional aftermath of a game development layoff?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge your feelings

2 Take care of yourself

3 Assess your situation

4 Update your portfolio

5 Network with others

6 Explore your options

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

Rate this article

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