Baldur's Gate 3 Publisher Calls for BioWare Overhaul

Recent layoffs at BioWare, the developers of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have sparked widespread conversation about the current state of the gaming industry. Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Daus, has again taken to social media to address these layoffs, emphasizing the importance of valuing employees and holding leadership accountable.

Daus argues that large-scale layoffs between or after projects are avoidable. He stresses the critical role of retaining institutional knowledge within development teams for future projects. While acknowledging that "trimming the fat" – reducing redundancies – might seem necessary during financial hardship, he questions the aggressive efficiency strategies of large corporations, suggesting they are often unnecessary. This approach, he points out, is particularly problematic when contrasted with the lack of consistent success in game releases. Layoffs, he contends, are simply a drastic cost-cutting measure.

Daus highlights the flawed strategy employed by upper management, arguing that it disproportionately impacts lower-level employees. He uses the analogy of a pirate ship, where the captain would be the first to be thrown overboard in times of crisis, suggesting that the gaming industry should adopt a similar approach to accountability.