Alexander Rehm’s Post

It has been two years since we set out on our epic journey to create our dream studio Enchanted Works. It has been a wild ride so far, with its fair share of learnings. And while we are incredibly proud to say we are still going strong with the same full team of founders since the day we started. Our journey has certainly not been without hardships. Looking around we see the troubles of the industry. Studios in the Netherlands have been hit particularly hard with the recent closures of KeokeN Interactive, Paladin Studios and Ronimo Games, just to name a few. It feels weird because these studios are our role models. We thought this is what it looks like to have a sustainable game studio in the Netherlands. But the industry has been brutal. Our heart goes out to all those affected by the recent lay-offs and closures of studios. We look forward to the day Enchanted Works has open job vacancies, but at the moment we have to operate as lean as possible. As a start-up at the current time, we operate from a position of stability. All five of our founders are working part-time for the studio and part-time at other jobs to pay the bills. While this is certainly not an ideal situation, as you want to fully focus on your current and future projects. But it does means at the moment our studio will survive whatever bullshit the industry decides to throw at us. With our recent visit to GDC and watching people play Nomori we know for a fact we are on the right track. We have had massive support from people reaching out to us with advice or general aid where they can. That has been a big boost for our team. Furthermore to close this of, we have a big announcement coming soon that I don't want to spoil yet. But it is something we are really hyped about to share. So be on the lookout for our next post. #gaming #gameindustry

Every day it feels like we see very talented and extraordinary individuals being affected by the AAA studios, with the mountain of layoffs, it breaks our heart to know that fellow gaming enthusiasts, developers, and just good people all around are experiencing this very real, and very hurtful period. We might be just another studio, but we are also filled with people who want to excel in this industry, do what they love to do, build on that, overcome that mountain top, and create amazing work to say "Hey, I did that!". We want to see people who love working on games being supported 100% of the way through, especially as many of our members would love to have that same support when they leave our studio. And as our dream is to build that community, no matter how small it is right now, we hope that the people who are currently being faced with hard decisions get the necessary break they need, either through that dream job opportunity, starting their own business, or valuing time with friends and family. #gaminglife #gamedevelopment #motivational #PSA #indiegames #layoffssuck #gamestudio

Ok, folks...confession time: I love #videogames. I always have as long as I can remember back--roughly to age 4. It was '91 and my parents bought me my first Nintendo Entertainment System (NES/Famicom) with the Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt combo cartridge. Since then I've owned every single system with little exception, and today I am addicted to Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 on my Steam Deck from Valve corporation. However, this year has marked a seriously disappointing trend in the industry. Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Studios, and many smaller subsidiaries and #Indie studios have either folded or been forced to issue massive layoffs to the talented (and, let's be honest, #overworked) staff that help make the games that I love. I can only imagine the frustration, fear and anger that this has caused to so many, and while I unfortunately lack the connections to create new job opportunities, what I do have--if you'll allow me to borrow from #gamespeak--is a useful power-up I'd love to offer. In the event that the studio and/or position you left behind provided you with a standard retirement account (think 401(k) or similar) and you're not sure what the best course of action is when it comes to what to do with it, I can help. I allotted all my XP over the years into enhancing my understanding and skills in provided #guidance on these matters, and I want to do what I can to create some peace of mind in what might be an otherwise crazy situation. Remember, "it's dangerous to go alone," so let me be the Player 2 you're looking for! Also, anyone in the #gamesindustry that might be #hiring--please spam this post so we can help get some people back at work and creating again!

Eight years ago, when I moved to Osaka, I rushed to find the Capcom building. Although somewhat unassuming, the building is symbolic of a lot for me (and no doubt countless others); I'm often asked why I came to Japan, and while there are hundreds of small reasons that influenced me, I will always mention playing games as a kid and realising they were made here. What I don't usually mention is the hours spent getting blisters on my thumb playing Street Fighter II, or how I would stick my hair up and shout "Sonic Boom" at my brothers. Or how I would make up background stories for the characters in the lesser-known Mercs, or how the memory of staying up late playing Resident Evil 2 is stronger than most memories of school. Thank you to everyone at Capcom since those days until now for these memories. And not just Capcom; everyone in every facet of the industry. Thank you for your time, work, and effort to make these memories and aspirations. No matter how big or small your role, your hard work drives us all. Of course I am equally grateful for many other studios and Devs, but being able to look at the Capcom building reminds me of that initial spark back in the 90s. #videogames #capcom #game #gamestudio #gameindustry (just realised it looks like I got a job here; sadly not just yet... simply had the chance to walk by and contemplate)

Devastating news this past week with many layoffs at various studios, Sharkmob has made an unknown number of layoffs at their London studio after cancelling an unannounced game that was in development. "The decision to cancel the game, unfortunately means there will be a reduction in the number of people we can support in the London studio… This is an incredibly difficult time, and our focus is to provide the support and guidance to those potentially impacted." Source: https://lnkd.in/e3v8NWAA My thoughts are with you all. If comfortable, send a message with your connection request. I offer mentorship and am happy to assist with advice or resources. 📰 Extensive Resources: https://lnkd.in/efqg_aHp 📜 Game Job Posts 10/6/24: Animation & VFX ●https://lnkd.in/eZbcyqkT (+Art) ●https://lnkd.in/ecrAqrbj ●https://lnkd.in/esrCswgu Art ●https://lnkd.in/etR4WBjH ●https://lnkd.in/e3zJR4eZ Engineering & Programming ●https://lnkd.in/ezvB2DRy ●https://lnkd.in/eua6K4-F Entry Positions & Internships ●https://lnkd.in/e8KuAnpt (+Junior) ●https://lnkd.in/ehUtSXJr (+Junior) ●https://lnkd.in/eCyMZYzi (+Junior) ●https://lnkd.in/e7eef5vY ●https://lnkd.in/eMX8-RVN ●https://lnkd.in/eqXKM_cK ●https://lnkd.in/e_Rqhtn3 Game Design ●https://lnkd.in/eKRim88V ●https://lnkd.in/eWxqPHjJ ●https://lnkd.in/eP22GTBf Junior/Mid ●https://lnkd.in/ekuenRFJ ●https://lnkd.in/eGzPfenG Marketing/Community Management ●https://lnkd.in/e42Md5ca ●https://lnkd.in/ecHE39Wk ●https://lnkd.in/epsMTZvG ●https://lnkd.in/ek2mSvvN ●https://lnkd.in/ehuK-Pm5 ●https://lnkd.in/e5xtgcuz ●https://lnkd.in/e5ZiNm2F ●https://lnkd.in/eqSVtNkt ●https://lnkd.in/eq-ZmJfm ●https://lnkd.in/e9a_MM-a ●https://lnkd.in/e9nGNRnw ●https://lnkd.in/ecdZED2M Narrative Design & Game Writing ●https://lnkd.in/eargQZG5 ●https://lnkd.in/eTwqC7EA ●https://lnkd.in/ec4_XWBQ ●https://lnkd.in/e7wqpRbj Production ●https://lnkd.in/eNHt3BW6 ●https://lnkd.in/edCAAd5z (Europe Roles) ●https://lnkd.in/e4wfaEw7 (Discord w/resources) QA ●https://lnkd.in/eDZ2ftir ●https://lnkd.in/eSAUAK6T UI & UX ●https://lnkd.in/e9P389n8 ●https://lnkd.in/edae8Q_t ●https://lnkd.in/eYiMhsPi ⭐ Wonderful Individuals & Resourceful Orgs to Follow: Amir Satvat Andi Schuler aka Andi Creates Alex Gombos Alexander Rehm (Hiring!) Arin Goldsmith Caitlin Cooke Chris Mayne Cristina Amaya Eva Tucker Firestarters Hailey Rojas Hitmarker | Gaming Jobs Indie Game Academy International Game Developers Association (IGDA®) IGDA Foundation Jan David Hassel Jordan Carver Jordan Mazer Kat Craig Kelly Bender Kevin Ferreira Kristian Kolvek Matt Barney (Hiring!) Matt Hearnden Mayank Grover Mirko Minenza (Hiring!) Sara Machado Susi Bauer *All links have been posted/updated this past week. Categories are together due to individuals combining postings. I am not a recruiter for these.

Just found out about the planned layoffs at Sony Interactive Entertainment, impacting studios around the world, including the closure of PlayStation London Studio and reductions in Firesprite. 8% of the workforce impacted, meaning around 900 people are at risk of being laid off... this is so disheartening right now. To those affected by these layoffs, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇 The Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🥈 Second, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 7 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI: This resource contains around 1,000 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eKAHK7VF ⚙ Engineering and Programming: This resource lists just over 1,800 jobs worldwide across all links. It also talks about interview tips and questions to practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/eYdxANFM 🕹 Quality Assurance: This resource lists over 450 QA jobs worldwide. This post also talks about the craft of QA in gaming and contains tips and interview practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/dwwVjZuc 📑 Game Production: This resource lists around 350 jobs worldwide. It also contains info about game production as a whole and GDC talks. Link: https://lnkd.in/ePQBjT-d 📢 Marketing & Community: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also gives an intro into game marketing and community management. Link: https://lnkd.in/er35bXMA 🎶 Audio and Sound Design: This resource lists around 160 jobs worldwide. This post also links to the "Bible of getting a Job in Game Audio" by my good friend Florian Ardelean, so check it out. Link: https://lnkd.in/eSpakqxD 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev Job Boards: This resource lists around 250 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ee97UZCc 🥉 Third, If you have worked in publishing, please message me. I am looking for quite a few roles right now! ⬅ 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #playstation #sie #firesprite #playstationlondonstudio (source: https://lnkd.in/eiGnD2J9)

Until Dawn remake studio lays off staffers before the game’s even out Ballistic Moon, the studio behind the remaster of the horror game Until Dawn for PlayStation 5 and PC, has laid off several employees just a month before its October 4 release. The company's decision to downsize was confirmed on Labor Day, citing the need to secure the future of the studio. Details on the number of layoffs remain unspecified, but former staff members, including a junior game designer, shared their job losses on social media. This follows a trend of layoffs affecting various game and tech companies, highlighting the turbulent state of the industry. This article was sourced, curated, and summarized by MindLab's AI Agents. Original Source: Original Source: Engadget Full Article: http://www.engadget.com/

The gaming industry has been shifting! 🎮✨ AAA studios, with their big budgets and high salaries, have been the dream for many. But recent years have shown that even giants can stumble—layoffs and closures are becoming all too common. 🚧 But the indie and smaller studios have become the real MVPs of the gaming industry! 🌟 These agile teams offer more job opportunities, versatile roles, and heaps of creative freedom. Sure, the pay might not always be as high, but who needs a gold-plated keyboard anyway? 💸✨ With the rise of these innovative powerhouses, there's more room for growth, less crunch time, and a chance to truly make your mark. Here is my biased assessment of the opportunity comparison: - 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Smaller and indie studios (7/10) > AAA studios (4/10). The instability in AAA studios has decreased the overall job availability. - 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Smaller and indie studios (7/10) > AAA studios (5/10). Growth opportunities exist in both, but the paths differ. - 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺: Smaller and indie studios (9/10) > AAA studios (6/10). Indie studios typically allow more creative input. - 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆: AAA studios (8/10) > Smaller and indie studios (5/10). This difference can be significant but varies by location and specific studio. - 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: AAA studios (9/10) > Smaller and indie studios (6/10). AAA studios often require deep expertise in specific areas, while indie studios value broad skill sets (T-shaping for the win). - 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Smaller and indie studios (6/10) > AAA studios (4/10). Recent trends show greater instability in AAA studios due to layoffs and closures. #GameDev #IndieStudios #AAAStudios #CareerGrowth #CreativeFreedom #GamingIndustry

Happy Tuesday Gamers, For a little while now I have been in conversation with several studio leaders about the challenges they are experiencing when it comes to #TalentAcquisition for the #GamesIndustry (yes, there are still studio's hiring in these crazy times). It became clear that internal teams and hiring managers are overwhelmed and spending more time than ever on finding the right talent to fill their roles. Throughout these conversations I ideated and pitched solutions and between us we came up with "Recruitment as a Subscription" a brand new, economically friendly way, of working with The Gaming Recruiter More details can be found in the info pack, that a select few of my connections have already received and the feedback has been hugely positive, but the short version is studios pay a monthly fee with commitments to get the jobs filled in a certain timeframe. This allows the studios to more accurately track their recruitment spend, save significantly against traditional contigency pricing models and free up their teams to focus on more strategically important tasks, like making a great game. For a FREE consultation on any of your live roles or challenges you're facing and how we can help, you can book using the calendly link in the comments. #GameDev #GameArt #GameJobs