As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the gaming industry for over 18 years, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of layoffs on talented professionals. In these tough times, it's crucial to go beyond just checking in and take concrete actions to support our colleagues and friends.

The Power of Proactive Support in the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry, known for its dynamism and innovation, is unfortunately not immune to economic pressures. Recent layoffs at major companies like Riot Games and Activision Blizzard have sent shockwaves through our community. During my tenure at Riot Games, I saw how these situations could affect even the most talented individuals.

Traditional support methods, while well-intentioned, often fall short in providing tangible assistance. A simple "I'm sorry to hear that" or a like on a social media post, while appreciated, doesn't address the immediate needs of those facing career uncertainty. That's why I'm advocating for more proactive and impactful forms of support.

Practical Strategies for Meaningful Assistance

Drawing from my experience in various roles within the gaming industry, here are some actionable strategies I'm implementing to support affected colleagues:

1. Writing LinkedIn Recommendations: A solid reference can work wonders. It takes just five minutes but can significantly boost someone's job prospects. When I write recommendations, I make sure to highlight specific achievements. For instance, I might mention how a colleague's innovative approach contributed to the success of a major esports event like the League of Legends Rift Rivals.
2. Leveraging My Network: Our networks in the gaming industry are often broader than we realize. I actively seek out who's hiring to find opportunities for those affected. During my time building esports stadiums and organizing events, I developed connections across various sectors of the gaming industry. Now, I'm tapping into these connections to identify job openings that might be perfect for laid-off professionals.
3. Facilitating Direct Introductions: The internet can be impersonal and cold, especially when job hunting. That's why I'm focusing on connecting people directly with others who can assist. A personal introduction or referral can make all the difference in someone's application. For example, I recently connected a former team member with a contact at an up-and-coming game studio, leading to a promising interview.

Creating a Culture of Support in the Gaming Community

While individual actions are crucial, we also need to foster a broader culture of support within the gaming industry. Here are some ideas:

1. Industry-Wide Initiatives: Encourage gaming companies to create programs that support career transitions. This could include skill-sharing workshops or temporary project opportunities for laid-off professionals.
2. Mentorship Programs: Establish formal mentorship programs where experienced professionals can guide those in career transition. As a life coach, I've seen the transformative power of mentorship in helping individuals navigate career challenges.
3. Community Support Networks: Create online and offline spaces where gaming professionals can share experiences, offer support, and exchange job leads. This could be as simple as a Discord server or as structured as regular meetups.

Remember, true support transcends just interacting with posts. As I often say to my coaching clients, "Real help is an action, not just a feeling." It's about taking tangible steps to make a difference in someone's professional life.

How have you actively supported others, or what actions do you think can make a real difference? Let's share ideas so we can ACT. The gaming industry has always thrived on collaboration and innovation. Let's apply that same spirit to supporting our colleagues during challenging times.

By taking these actions, we not only help individuals but also strengthen the entire gaming community. After all, the resilience and creativity that define our industry are most powerful when we come together to support one another.