I get why people are frustrated. It’s brutal out there, especially for juniors. But I don’t think the industry is “in shambles.” I think it’s contracting, consolidating, and correcting after years of over-expansion. That’s not new. This industry has always moved in cycles. Sixteen years ago (when I started) people were also trying to break in during a rough market, post-recession, with fewer seats and a lot of uncertainty. Today has its own version: layoffs, studio closures, streaming contraction, tech correction, and companies moving back toward leaner models. But saying it’s all luck removes too much agency from the people who have survived and kept building careers through every cycle. Luck matters. Timing matters. Connections matter. But so do craft, consistency, humility, feedback, communication, ego management, and learning how to work with a team. The “how many hours did you put in?” discourse is also too simple. Some people learn fast. Some people need more reps. I was one of those people. I needed hundreds and hundreds of hours to build the hard skills. But the soft skills mattered just as much: how you take notes, how you speak to people, how you handle critique, how you show up when things are hard. I just don’t think all this negative mindsets helps juniors. And fighting vets doesn’t help either. The industry is small. We need more honesty, less ego, and more people pulling each other forward. It’s bleak right now, yes. But bleak isn’t forever. The tide goes out, the tide comes back in. The ones who stay kind, keep learning, and keep building usually find their way back to shore.

I don't think gaming enthusiast blogs are ready for the reality of rebuilding a business. Like I said a few days ago, General Electric did it, but it was difficult (and painful for many people) to say the least. Entire businesses were sold, downsized, or closed. Investments were limited to the most successful products. Over the next 6-7 years, the company focused on nothing but running a few businesses well, making sure they were given what they needed to succeed. It took years, not months. You are not prepared if you think this is going to be done by next week.

Today sucks because: 1. Good devs at good studios have uncertain futures 2. We're being reminded that creatives and business are an ugly mix 3. A bunch of people who cover gaming don't understand anything about the industry 4. Fanboys will try to make anything about themselves

Now this one surprises me. Ninja Theory is one of the most technically proficient studios I'm aware of and I thought their motion capture studio was a huge value for XBOX (though I suppose they still own the building). Hellblade 2 is the most underrated game of this generation.😥

Well, the timing of this releasing is weird but I stand by the video (really more of a mini @thebaunfire podcast😅) about everything going on with XBOX since the showcase a few weeks ago. Check it out and let me know what you think. #XBOX 🟥: youtu.be/aecafyj2QBY

We're about to see a lot of performative posts about a studio that has released 3 okay games in 13 years. I wish the art side of this industry mattered more than the business side but that isn't the world we live in. I hope the devs quickly land on their feet. #XBOX

I see you @TheDivisionGame.👀

Good morning and happy Monday.☕

If you haven't played Battlefield 6 in awhile I suggest checking it out. The new Obliteration game mode might be the best one they've ever added to the series. It's pure fun.😁 #Battlefield

We have to collectively start ignoring "gamer" accounts with corporate logos in the banners or profile pictures if they don't work there. They are always trolls or out of touch fanboys that add nothing to any conversation.

🔥 New the baunfire Gaming Podcast #392! - XBOX’s Games Showcase - Asha Sharma’s Reset Initiative - Exodus Shows Itself Off 🎧 Podcast: tr.ee/xtlodh62RX 📺 YouTube: youtu.be/iNFK00vaiZk #XBOX #Fable #EXODUSgame

I'm down 30 pounds since the beginning of May. I've ran, walked or worked out every day since May 3rd and gone on a strict but reasonable diet. I still have a long way to go but I'm so pumped.💪 For anyone else doing the work as well... keep going!💜

This kind of clickbait would almost be respectable if GameRant wasn't such an annoyingly perfect example of how useless most games media coverage is right now. It makes me feel bad for the few people doing it right. That first letter capitalization is diabolical.

🔥 New the baunfire Gaming Podcast #392! - XBOX’s Games Showcase - Asha Sharma’s Reset Initiative - Exodus Shows Itself Off 🎧 Podcast: tr.ee/xtlodh62RX 📺 YouTube: youtu.be/iNFK00vaiZk #XBOX #Fable #EXODUSgame

Happy Friday everyone!🥳 What are you up to this weekend?