After launching a Kickstarter campaign for an ambitious RTS/RPG/MOBA hybrid called Wildman last week, veteran developer Gas Powered Games is laying off close to 40 staff. The news comes in the wake of a statement by CEO Chris Taylor pinning all of his company’s hopes for survival on the success of the Wildman Kickstarter. The decision seems to have been made in order to afford severance pay while the company is still liquid.
“Very tough decision, but an important one such that I could properly pay severance and remaining [paid-time off],” CEO Chris Taylor told Joystiq about the redundancies.
“I think everyone agrees better to have a few bucks to find the next job that run this train to the end and have nothing left to work with. It’s one thing for me to bet the company, but I can’t bet their last severance money, that’s not cool,” he added.
The Challenges of Game Development
The gaming industry is known for its volatility, and Gas Powered Games’ situation is a stark reminder of the challenges developers face. Creating a game, especially one as ambitious as Wildman, requires significant resources, both in terms of finances and manpower. The hybrid nature of Wildman, combining elements of RTS (Real-Time Strategy), RPG (Role-Playing Game), and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), adds layers of complexity to the development process. Each genre has its own set of mechanics, balancing issues, and player expectations, making the task of merging them into a cohesive experience a monumental challenge.
Moreover, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked. Game development is an expensive endeavor, with costs ranging from salaries for developers, artists, and designers to marketing and distribution expenses. For a company like Gas Powered Games, which is not backed by a major publisher, securing funds through platforms like Kickstarter becomes a lifeline. However, this also means that the company’s fate is directly tied to the success of its crowdfunding campaign.
The Human Element
While the financial and technical challenges are significant, the human element is equally important. The decision to lay off nearly 40 staff members is not just a business move; it affects the lives and careers of those individuals. Chris Taylor’s statement highlights the difficult balance between trying to save the company and ensuring that employees are treated fairly. By opting to lay off staff while the company is still liquid, Taylor ensures that they receive severance pay and have some financial cushion as they search for new opportunities.
This decision also underscores the ethical considerations that come into play in such scenarios. It’s one thing to gamble with the company’s future, but it’s another to risk the livelihoods of employees without a safety net. Taylor’s approach, while painful, aims to mitigate the impact on his team as much as possible.
The broader implications of this situation extend to the gaming community and industry at large. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in game development and the importance of financial planning and ethical leadership. For aspiring developers and industry veterans alike, the story of Gas Powered Games and Wildman offers valuable lessons in resilience, responsibility, and the harsh realities of the gaming world.
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