Ex Sony boss' advice to laid-off game developers: 'Go to the beach for a year or drive an Uber'

Chris Deering further advised that during this downtime, individuals should remain connected to the industry and not disengage entirely

Chris Deering, former President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, has stirred debate with his advice to game developers who have recently been affected by layoffs. Speaking on the My Perfect Console podcast, Deering recommended that those facing job uncertainty in the gaming sector take a year off, find affordable living options, and perhaps even work as Uber drivers until the industry recovers. Deering, who was instrumental in launching the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 during his tenure at Sony, drew parallels between the current wave of job cuts and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You're going to have to take a few, figure out how to get through it, drive an Uber or whatever. Find a cheap place to live and go to the beach for a year,” he said, emphasising the need for developers to weather the storm. He further advised that during this downtime, individuals should remain connected to the industry and not disengage entirely, stating, “Keep up with your news… once you get off the train, it’s much harder.”

The gaming industry has witnessed substantial downsizing in 2023, with over 20,000 workers laid off, including 900 employees from Sony’s PlayStation division as part of restructuring. Companies like Microsoft and Unity have also announced cuts, totalling nearly 4,000 positions this year. In light of these layoffs, Sony’s then-CEO Jim Ryan described the cost-cutting measures as necessary to “streamline resources,” while Unity executives echoed a similar sentiment, stating the need to “focus on core business.”

Deering downplayed accusations that these layoffs were motivated by corporate greed, explaining that it is common for companies to expand cautiously due to cyclical market forces. He pointed out that if consumer spending does not support the latest game releases, funding future projects becomes unsustainable.

However, Deering’s remarks have not been universally welcomed. The games division of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) criticised his comments, stressing the importance of collective action to protect workers' rights. In a tweet, the union responded: “With a strong union, we can get what we deserve — work-life balance and job security. Without it, we're left with ‘let them eat cake.’”

22000 game devs have been laid off. Chris Deering's response: "Go to the beach, drive an Uber."With a strong union, we can get what we deserve - work-life balance and job security.Without it, we're left with "let them eat cake"Join our union today: https://t.co/Xm08SjCMBI https://t.co/bg43JbySrs
IWGB Game Workers (@IWGB_GW) September 10, 2024

Deering, now an advisor at Cudo Ventures, remains optimistic about the future, assuring those impacted that the industry tends to recover quicker than anticipated. “I think it’s probably very painful for the managers, but I don’t think that having skill in this area is going to be a lifetime of poverty or limitation,” he said, acknowledging the challenges but also offering hope for those affected.