Ex-Sony president advised fired developers to "drive an Uber" and "vacation on the beach for a year"

Chris Deering, former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, shared his thoughts on the recent widespread layoffs in the gaming industry during the latest episode of the My Perfect Console podcast. He discussed the reasons behind the layoffs and offered advice to the affected developers.

According to Deering, the job cuts are not a result of greed. He pointed out that while in a leadership position, he gradually increased the workforce to avoid significant layoffs.

“This is painful. I don’t think it stems from greed. I believe it is excessive enthusiasm that arose and intensified due to the pandemic's aftermath and subsequent supply chain constraints,” Deering explained.

Chris Deering, former boss of PlayStation, does not believe the recent, widespread layoffs in the games industry derive from corporate greed, and that affected workers should “drive an Uber” or “go to the beach for a year” until things turn around: pic.twitter.com/uXUkNTbXQ5

— Simon Parkin (@SimonParkin) September 10, 2024

The former Sony executive advised those who lost their jobs to “drive for Uber, find affordable housing, and go to the beach for a year, but keep up with the news.” He emphasized that without staying informed, returning to the industry could be even more challenging.

Internet users reacted strongly to Deering's comments, calling him “unrealistic” and “out of touch.” “Is he seriously suggesting that people, who may have families to support, ‘go live at the beach’ or work as Uber drivers?” one Twitter user questioned.

According to statistics, in 2023, the gaming industry saw 10,500 layoffs, with this year’s total already reaching 11,540. The list of companies that parted ways with their employees is quite extensive. For instance, Rocksteady's quality control department lost over half of its staff in the past month, and one employee was let go during their maternity leave. Bungie reduced 220 positions, which accounts for about 17% of its workforce. In January, Microsoft laid off 1,900 developers from Activision Blizzard and Xbox.

Source: 80.lv