Ex-Sony President’s Advice For Laid-Off Developers Sparks Controversy; Here's What He Said

In 2023, the gaming industry saw significant downsising, with over 20,000 workers laid off, including 900 from Sony’s PlayStation division, due to restructuring

Chris Deering, the former President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, has sparked controversy with his recent advice to game developers impacted by layoffs. On the My Perfect Console podcast, Deering suggested that those facing job insecurity in the gaming industry should consider taking a year off, seeking affordable housing, and possibly driving for Uber until the sector rebounds. Deering, known for his role in launching the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, compared the current wave of job cuts to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“You're going to have to take a few, figure out how to get through it,” he said, suggesting that developers might need to drive for Uber or find a low-cost place to live and spend a year at the beach. He emphasised the importance of enduring the current challenges, adding, “Keep up with your news… once you get off the train, it’s much harder.” He also added that during this period, individuals should stay engaged with the industry and avoid disconnecting entirely

In 2023, the gaming industry saw significant downsising, with over 20,000 workers laid off, including 900 from Sony’s PlayStation division, due to restructuring. Microsoft and Unity have also announced reductions, resulting in nearly 4,000 job cuts this year. In response to these layoffs, Sony’s former CEO Jim Ryan characterised the cost-cutting measures as essential for streamlining resources, while Unity executives shared a similar view, emphasising the need to “focus on core business.”

Deering downplayed suggestions that the recent layoffs were driven by corporate greed, explaining that companies often expand cautiously due to cyclical market forces. He noted that if consumer spending fails to support new game releases, it becomes unsustainable to fund future projects.

However, his comments have not been well-received by everyone. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) criticised Deering’s perspective, highlighting the importance of collective action to safeguard 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.’” 

Despite the backlash, Deering remains hopeful about the industry's recovery. He reassured those affected by the layoffs that the gaming sector typically rebounds faster than expected. “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 acknowledged.