Navigating the Game Industry Reset: Layoffs, AI Hiring & Career Strategy with Keith Caswell (ex-EA, Microsoft)
GameMakers · Aug 18, 2025 · 1:57:45
GameMakers · Aug 18, 2025 · 1:57:45
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The games industry is in a state of flux. Layoffs are widespread, AI is disrupting hiring, and the future feels uncertain. To navigate this new landscape, we're joined by Keith Caswell, a 20-year HR veteran with leadership experience at Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Wizards of the Coast, for a masterclass in career and talent strategy.
Whether you've been recently laid off, you're a leader struggling to hire authentic talent, or you're trying to future-proof your career, this episode provides an actionable playbook for success.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The current state of the gaming job market and when it might recover.
A step-by-step playbook for job seekers: networking, portfolios, and resumes.
Why traditional interviews are failing and how to hire effectively in the age of AI.
The real impact AI will have on game dev roles and the future of work.
The debate between hardcore work ethic and work-life balance.
Connect with our guest:
Time Stamps:
(02:41) The Current State of the Gaming Job Market(08:32) The Playbook for Recently Laid-Off Professionals(11:36) The Power of Your Network & How to Leverage Recruiters(28:03) Is Ageism a Real Factor for Industry Veterans?(51:20) The Employer's Dilemma: How to Hire in the Age of AI(01:03:09) The Best Interview Question to Ask(01:11:29) How Will AI Really Impact Game Dev Jobs?(01:26:33) The Hardcore Work Ethic vs. Work-Life Balance Debate(01:39:29) Future Predictions: Market Rebounds & Production Models
