{
  "id": 8266441,
  "title": "\"They've watched so many people lose their jobs, that has an impact\" – Managing morale in the wake of layoffs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/theyve-watched-so-many-people-lose-their-jobs-that-has-an-impact",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T15:52:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/theyve-watched-so-many-people-lose-their-jobs-that-has-an-impact-managing-morale-in-the-wake-of-layoffs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The video game industry has witnessed an unprecedented wave of layoffs and studio closures in recent years, leading to a demoralising atmosphere for many workers. The sheer scale of job losses is impossible to quantify, but the ripple effects extend beyond those who have lost their livelihoods to impact the remaining staff as well. Emma Smith, an HR expert with extensive experience at Creative Assembly, notes that while attention has been given to those who have lost their jobs, less focus has been placed on the employees who remain, many of whom have gone through multiple rounds of layoffs themselves. The cumulative effect of witnessing job losses, cancelled projects, and studio closures can take a significant toll on morale and motivation. Michael Elliott Chan, head of people and operations at Compulsion Games, observes a shift in employee conversations towards job security, with more people taking proactive measures to protect themselves financially in light of the uncertain times. Both experts stress the importance of rebuilding trust, which requires honesty, consistency, and following through on promises, especially during difficult times. This involves being open and transparent with employees, listening to their concerns, and reassuring them that the studio is committed to their well-being and career development. Chan emphasizes that HR and leadership should focus on controlling the controllable by maintaining open communication, offering support, and encouraging employees to develop their skills and progress in their careers, even if traditional promotion paths have been disrupted. By leading with empathy and addressing concerns directly, managers can help foster a sense of stability and reassurance, ultimately helping to rebuild morale in the aftermath of widespread layoffs and studio closures.",
  "summary": "With tens of thousands of jobs lost across industry in the past few years, to say this is a demoralising time to be working in video games would be something of an understatement. Read more",
  "key_points": [
    "Unprecedented wave of layoffs impacts entire studios, not just those who lost jobs",
    "HR expert Emma Smith notes focus on remaining employees with multiple layoff experiences",
    "Managers urged to rebuild trust through honesty, transparency, and employee support"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}