Daniel Beahn’s Post

Fake postings? So sad and so strange to see Blizzard laying off talent, especially when they are also posting for talent on their website. Something for everyone to remember. Your work is not your family!!! Your manager’s job is to procure your services for the best price they can. You are trying to get top dollar for your talent. If you can come to an accord you join the team. If either side decides that the terms are no longer beneficial the relationship ends. Don’t let yourself believe they will put your best interests first. No matter how much you have contributed, or sacrificed, or achieved. The moment they decide to go another direction you are out, irregardless if it is Christmas, or you have medical bills, or you just moved so your child could be in a better school. Only you will put your needs first. It really is just business. And businesses that can balance employee needs and aspirations with company goals and needs will have low turnover and a happier workforce. Some companies try to take care of their people but at the end of the day economics will drive their decisions more than their hearts. And just like if you get a better offer no one is going to fault you for bettering your position and leaving the company behind. And when there are cuts to be made, your office brothers and sisters are not likely to lay down on the sword for you, they have their own mouths to feed. In the end, be professional, courteous, hard working, and look out for what is best for your career knowing that even at the best company, you are expendable. No promises of loyalty last when profits are down. Work is not family!

Hi LinkedIn family! 🌟 Got a super cool story to share with you today! So, there's this awesome Hospitality company in Las Vegas, part of the Fortune 500 gang. They needed 50 game developers and artists to jazz up their slot games for iPhone and Android. And guess what? They asked us for help! They wanted it all done in 3 months, but with our teamwork and dedication, we smashed it in just 2 months! Yep, you read that right - 2 months flat! 🚀 And here's the really exciting part: they were so impressed, they extended our contract for 3 whole years! Plus, they want 50 more resources for their next big project. How cool is that? 💼 Now, here's the secret sauce: we've got 30 super talented folks on our team who make finding the right people easy peasy. But here's the real kicker: we care about our team like family. Putting their happiness first means we've got a low attrition rate and super engaged employees! Win-win, right? 😎 So, moral of the story? With teamwork, dedication, and a whole lot of heart, you can achieve anything! Keep hustling, keep collaborating, and who knows what amazing things you can accomplish! 🌟 #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #DedicationPaysOff #RiseupLabsRocks 🚀

Yes, for many the Gaming industry seems like it is down for the count…on the mat drolling…waiting for the ref to count to “10”…but it’s not! When the world was sent home in 2020…it was a Gaming executive’s dream: wow, look at all this spare time remote workers have…we’ve never seen DAUs like this before. Woohoo!!! Hire more people hire more people hire more people!! Borrow more money borrow more money borrow more money. Fast forward three years…2023…RTO is in full swing…and interest rates have gone up 2,000%. And payrolls were ridiculously high…and way too many people! Time for a system reset. No one said a career in Gaming was going to be easy. And 10,000+ people have been laid off over the past 12+ months. But, it is not knocked out! It will always be an important part of society. Heck, it’s bigger than the movie business!! And as much as Amir and his team of volunteers keep an active, online spreadsheet of posted roles (currently at 13,000+), I thought it would be helpful to highlight some of the bigger studios in North America: Activision: 42 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gcvExcPM Blizzard: 62 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gUP89Ncf King: 30 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gPu46E7Y Epic: 299 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/g3W69kGd EA: 100+ posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gMkW9SZN Riot: 20 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/geVFGZva Nintendo: 57 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gbivM4DW Krafton NA: 26 posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gKGa9JhP NetEase: 30+ posted roles: https://lnkd.in/gDzmayCP “Where are all the jobs in America?” Here! Right here!! #ResumeIsKing #KeepPressingForward #AlwaysBeNetworking #UpdateYourLinkedInProfile #Engage #Pivot

Reflecting on the Joy of Gaming: From Childhood to the Workplace Do you remember the thrill of unwrapping a brand new video game console or eagerly awaiting the release of the latest blockbuster game title? Those moments were pure magic, weren't they? As we grow older, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of adulthood, but let's take a moment to reminisce about those simpler times. Back in the day, gathering with friends around a console was a cherished pastime. Whether it was battling it out in a fierce game of Mario Kart, embarking on epic adventures in Final Fantasy, or solving puzzles together in co-op mode, those gaming sessions were more than just entertainment—they were bonding experiences that forged lifelong friendships. Fast forward to today, and while our lives may be filled with responsibilities and deadlines, the spirit of gaming still lives on. In fact, the lessons we learned from those childhood gaming sessions continue to shape our lives, even in the workplace. Think about it: teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability—these are all skills that we honed during those late-night gaming marathons with friends. And now, we apply them to our professional lives on a daily basis. Whether it's collaborating with colleagues on a project, strategizing to overcome obstacles, or staying flexible in the face of challenges, our gaming roots have prepared us well for the demands of the modern workplace. So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the grind of adulting, take a moment to remember the joy of gaming. And who knows? Maybe a quick round of your favorite game with coworkers could be just the thing to boost morale and foster camaraderie in the office. After all, some things never change—like the thrill of a well-executed combo or the satisfaction of completing a challenging level. Let's keep that spirit alive, both in our personal lives and in our careers. Game on! #ThrowbackThursday #GamingMemories #WorkplaceSuccess #Dropingaming #Removestress

My heart hurts for my PlayStation friends I spent a decade of my career with. I understand what you are going through--whether you still have a job or not, you were affected by what happened. From an internet startup that built websites for internet startups going bust to the Meta 11k a few years back, I've been through more layoffs than I would have liked to in a lifetime. Few words of advice to take care of you: - Let yourself feel all the emotions: sadness, anger, fear, loss, etc. It's a big shakeup to your world when you spend so much time each week at a job. - Try not to take it personally. You are awesome at what you do and it's a numbers game with businesses. - Your job doesn't define you--there's so much more to life and who you are. - Use your mental health benefits while you have them. - Know it's not possible for everyone, try to take some time off. You likely truly haven't had time off from work stress in a long time. - Connect with others in your same situation to help each other through it--whether it's sharing stories or asking for advice. Feel free to reach if you want to talk or I can help in any way. Sending out healing thoughts and comforting hugs.

Having experienced a few layoffs myself, I understand the toll it can take on one's mental health. 😔 But remember, this is just a temporary moment, and it's important to prioritize self-care. Here are some strategies I found helpful and thought I would share... 🌵 Embrace the outdoors. Walk or hike solo, or with friends/family. Fresh air does wonders! ✍ Journaling can be therapeutic. Whether jotting down goals, expressing feelings, or simply letting thoughts flow, it often brings solace. 👨👩👧👧 Spend quality time with family and friends. We would enjoy biking, hiking, and camping as a family and created lots of meaningful memories. 🎮 Enjoy some leisure time. Take advantage of the extra hours by indulging in games and showed you haven't been able to watch or play because you've been working a ton, etc. 👩💻 Explore beyond the conventional job search methods. Research extensively and think creatively to uncover opportunities outside of Linkedin and Indeed. 🧘♂️ Incorporate yoga or other relaxation techniques into your routine. 🐶 Seek comfort in the company of your pets. Think oxytocin. 🗄 Engage in productive tasks like cleaning and organizing. Completing small, tangible projects such as tidying up spaces or decluttering can instill a sense of accomplishment. You'll really be happy in a few months when you're back to work and don't have the time! And... always remember to give yourself grace.

Good morning Monday Linkedin. Some of my recent conversations have circled around why I turned to doing some consulting, and have been taking my time in finding my next role, especially given that consulting customers are hard to find, and certainly in my case it isn't paying the bills. Quite simply, my family and I aren't willing to make a mistake in the next course we chart. In the past year, our studio was closed even although we were individually doing very well, and since that at the end of last year I temporarily did some work at a place where I saw some pretty awful things that confirmed to me I didn't want to be there longer. I don't want to do that again. Much as searching for a very senior role during the worst market conditions I've experienced in my career is hard, I'm not willing to compromise on principles of working in place that values its employees, treats everyone fairly and does great work as a result. I'm not even precious about remote/onsite/hybrid though I have my preferences like anyone else. We're more than happy to relocate, but what we relocate for needs to be worthy of the trust I am my family will put in that opportunity. If the right fit doesn't come, I realise I may need to leave the industry, relocate somewhere cheaper, downsize our lives, or perhaps even take an extended break to travel while the industry recovers and investors regain some confidence. None of this is easy, but I want to encourage those of you who are in the same place to consider your options and not put yourself back into an equally risk rich environment. Does where you are feel right? (in or out of a job) Do you truly want to go back to the same job/industry or role or are you just doing it to pay the bills? Initially for me I wanted to start a studio where the games I wanted to see made could be made, where employees were treasured, but investors/publishers weren't ready to support that. Okay, onwards. Next? Let's see. Somewhere, deep inside, you know the truth. In times of turmoil, it's a great opportunity to decide whether life is giving you a big kick in the ass to take charge of the next step and find lasting ways to be happy as a result. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. 😉 #gamesindustry #gamesjobs #games #leadership #layoffs

In times of tight budgets and leaner teams, prioritizing community has never been more important. Steve Fowler captures it perfectly: "Community isn’t just a strategy, it’s a dedication to creating real value." Building a thriving community means addressing players’ deeper needs, fostering connections that go beyond gameplay. At Sogage, we’re focused on helping our customers achieve this outcome, empowering them to build strong, lasting communities that keep players coming back. #CommunityFirst #Gaming #PlayerEngagement #CommunityManagement #Sogage

🚀 From Layoffs to LEGO Master: A Dad's Journey 🚀 In Oct. 2023, the corporate world gave me the classic "It's not you, it's...well, it's mostly the budget" spiel. So, what did I do? I donned my cape (figuratively, of course) and embraced the role of stay-at-home dad extraordinaire! My main gig? Chief Cheerleader and Executive Snack Provider for my little superhero, who just happens to be tackling life with Congenital CMV and all the sassiness of a tiny boss. 🦸♂️💼 Here are some highlights from my stay-at-home dad resume: * Provided comprehensive support during a critical time period in my son's life. It was like being the Batman to his Robin, but with fewer gadgets and more diapers. * Reduced weekly supply spend (because baby wipes and gold-plated pacifiers don't come cheap) through a thorough cost analysis. Who knew Excel skills would come in handy for budgeting baby gear? * Played matchmaker as a liaison between insurance companies and medical providers. Let's just say I've negotiated with scarier opponents than Gotham's worst villains. * Managed and scheduled the entire calendar of appointments. Move over, Google Calendar—I've mastered the art of Tetris with pediatrician visits and therapy sessions. * Boosted Avg Monthly Sales by 20% for my own business. Because when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And then you sell it with a killer marketing strategy. Now, some folks out there might raise an eyebrow at the gap in my resume. But to them, I say: "Does 'none of your business' sound too harsh?" 🤷♂️ However, since you asked, let's address the elephant in the room: No, this gap doesn't make me unqualified to be your next People Operations Specialist/HR Analyst. In fact, it's made me more resilient, empathetic, and resourceful than ever before. So, if you're looking for someone who can juggle more than just spreadsheets and conference calls, let's chat! My son might even let me borrow his cape for the occasion. 😉 #opentowork #resume #jobseeker #jobs #parenting

Hey guys, I’m no longer seeking employment in the entertainment industry anymore. I’m switching fields and no longer desire to work as a creative; I’ll keep it only as a hobby. Despite the fact that I’ve been lucky enough to have two short-term gigs in the past few months, I’ve spent most of 2021-2023 looking for work. I’ve applied well over a thousand times and I’ve received only rejections except for a few gigs. I’ve put way too much effort into my craft and built portfolio several times but to no avail. However, people would often say that they don’t understand why I don’t get hired since my work is really good. I’ve asked for advice and feedback regarding my portfolio many times, networked A LOT since before covid happened and made a lot of really good friends. Despite everything that I’ve been told to do in order to be able to make it into the industry, it just never really happened. And we’re all witness to the lay-offs that’s been happening in the video games industry. I was already struggling to find work and now there’s even more capable and battle-tested veterans looking for jobs and I feel like I don’t have a chance to find stable work anymore. I’ve been feeling demotivated to make art for the past several months due to this reason. However, despite that feeling I was still pushing myself to keep going and convince the artist in me who’s been dreaming of working as an artist in the games and film since he was 7 years old, that one day I’ll make it; but that day never really came and I’ve gotten to a point in life where I can’t wait any longer. All of my friends have gotten their break and I feel like I’ve wasted my entire life waiting for something that wasn’t supposed to happen, like this was not supposed to be my dream and that’s why it never became a reality. It’s really disheartening. I feel overwhelmed writing this because this is all I knew. This is all I wanted to do for the rest of my life and now I find no motivation, no drive to keep going. I’ve tried to convince myself otherwise, I’ve tried everything but to no avail. So, I think this is the right time for me to quit this industry and move on to something more tangible. I could write a lot telling you all everything about my journey and how sad it makes me feel to get to the point of making such a decision but this post will end here with my journey of trying to make into the entertainment industry. I’ll always cherish the connections that I’ve made and the people I had a chance to call friends. I greatly appreciate everyone and all the support I’ve received through the years. I know some of you will still reach out to me asking to keep going, push myself even further and not quit but to be honest, I don’t think I want to stay in this field anymore because the past few years have been really, really difficult and extremely disheartening and I don’t want to continue to feel the same way.   As Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”