The Great Contraction: Navigating the Video Game Job Market

Design Talk Series

Description

In this episode, host Dirk Knemeyer is joined by co-host David Heron, a veteran game executive known for his six-year tenure at Warner Brothers, to discuss the “great contraction” currently hitting the industry. They explore why thousands of jobs are being lost at major publishers like Microsoft, Sony, and Bungie even as total consumer spending on games remains high. David provides an insider’s look at his own job hunt, the shift from product-based sales to low-risk live-service models, and how the drying up of international institutional funding has decimated the mid-market studio. Listeners will also get a fascinating preview of David’s upcoming experiments with AI as a design “mentee” that can handle the grunt work of procedural generation while leaving the creative “thumbprint” to the human designer.

The Great Contraction: Navigating the Video Game Job Market

“Simply amazing. Every game designer should listen to this.”

EccentricOwl

“I absolutely love this podcast.”

WardWesley

“A must for anyone interested not only in how games are made but in the ins and outs of game mechanics.”

DMacasaurus

“This is, by far, the best game design podcast I’ve heard.”

CowTipping_Extremist

“A wealth of amazing interviews and communal knowledge.”

Are Pee Gee Fan

“I love this podcast.”

mrtwills

“A well balanced mix for both new and old game designers.”

Old Ironsides 58

“The Game Design Round Table is an expertly produced, invaluable resource for game designers or game players.”

atwoow

“One of my favorite podcasts.”

offdahizle

“Before I started listening to this series, I had never thought so deeply into the inner workings of interactive entertainment.”

NaVanBXL

4.8 Rating

From 100+ Game Designers

Since 2012

WHAT’S TGDRT?

The Game Design Round Table is by game designers, for game designers. Since 2012 we’ve explored the art and craft of game design from the perspective of tabletop, digital, and role-playing games. Listen to an episode, join our vibrant Discord community, or subscribe to our show on the podcast service you most enjoy

The Great Contraction: Navigating the Video Game Job Market

Description

The Great Contraction: Navigating the Video Game Job Market

“Simply amazing. Every game designer should listen to this.”

EccentricOwl

“I absolutely love this podcast.”

WardWesley

“A must for anyone interested not only in how games are made but in the ins and outs of game mechanics.”

DMacasaurus

“This is, by far, the best game design podcast I’ve heard.”

CowTipping_Extremist

“A wealth of amazing interviews and communal knowledge.”

Are Pee Gee Fan

“I love this podcast.”

mrtwills

“A well balanced mix for both new and old game designers.”

Old Ironsides 58

“The Game Design Round Table is an expertly produced, invaluable resource for game designers or game players.”

atwoow

“One of my favorite podcasts.”

offdahizle

“Before I started listening to this series, I had never thought so deeply into the inner workings of interactive entertainment.”

NaVanBXL

4.8 Rating

From 100+ Game Designers

WHAT’S TGDRT?

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Alumni

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