Shifting The Meta: Bridging The Gap Between Scholar and Developer Perspectives of the Post-Pandemic Game Industry

Abstract

With mass layoffs in 2023 and 2024 (20,000 jobs in 18 months), job insecurity is a critical concern for game developers. Given this heightened precarity, investigations into devel- oper working conditions reveal a multitude of issues. These challenges span the areas of industry preparation, employment stability, information sharing, and sources of support. Meanwhile, game journalists insufficiently cover developer concerns. Our proposed study aims to overcome current limitations and provide a deeper understanding of the perspectives and backgrounds of developers pursuing a career in the post-pandemic industry. Our focus will be on how and when game developers learn to craft a career despite difficult working conditions and inform game studies scholarship in a rapidly shifting industry. Conducting formal interviews with participant anonymity will help circumvent the culture of secrecy in the industry, as developers can safely divulge information about their work experiences without fear of jeopardizing future career opportunities.