Navigating the Game Industry Reset: Layoffs, AI Hiring & Career Strategy with Keith Caswell (ex-EA, Microsoft)

GameMakers

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:

• Keith Caswell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caswellkeith/

• Keith's Website: keithcaswellhr.com

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