[game_edu] Game studies and the economy

[Scott Maddock]

Anecdotally...

I understand that the career fair at the GDC was considerably smaller than
it was last year (I wasn't in attendance last year, but it's something I
heard from multiple sources who were present then and now).  I know of at
least one school with a dedicated game development program that was supposed
to see at least four new hires directly into the program faculty, but was
then denied such because of the economic hardship.

A number of companies have had non-trivial layoffs in the last few months,
or are threatening to go under.  Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, developer
of the Stargate Worlds MMO, all but *did* go under, but has since managed to
find some investors and appears to be on track again.

Midway, I think we all know about.  Big Huge Games also seems to be in
trouble.  EA and Activision have both laid off large numbers.

In short, I think the whole industry is feeling the pinch to some degree, in
the professional and academic sectors.

2009/4/1 Brena Smith <brena.smith at gmail.com>


> Hi all,

> I have two questions: First, I know that all educational institutions are

> not untouched by the economy these days - but have any of you seen any

> specific impact on game studies departments?  Second, any thoughts on how

> the economy has impacted the electronic game industry in general?  Are game

> companies seeing a lot of layoffs?  Are students still able to find jobs?

>

> Many thanks!

> Brena

>

>

>

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