Larian Studios' Director Discusses Industry Layoffs, AI, and Fallback Plans
Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Douse, criticizes the gaming industry's trend of avoidable mass layoffs, calling them a "f*ck up" and arguing that they are not inevitable but rather a result of poor planning and shareholder-driven greed. He emphasizes the importance of financial reserves and nimbleness in decision-making, contrasting Larian's privately owned structure with larger companies. Douse also discusses the changing landscape of game marketing and highlights the success of socially resonant games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Palworld.