Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Gaming Industry: From Layoffs to Rumors

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Imagine being faced with the daunting task of announcing a project cancellation or layoffs to your team. This is a harsh reality in the unpredictable world of video game development. I'm your host, Christopher Mifsud, here to guide you through the maze of complex and high-stakes conversations within the gaming industry. We'll uncover how to deliver such weighty news with respect and honesty, fostering trust and loyalty even in the toughest of times. Further, we'll delve into the significance of active listening and emotional validation to ensure your team feels heard and valued during these painful discussions.

But hang on, there's more. We're not stopping at just delivering the news; we're also tackling how to manage the hype and rumors that inevitably surround these situations. Providing clear, specific information and being open to questions are just some of the strategies we'll discuss. And remember, it's not just about navigating these hard conversations, it's about providing support and making your team feel valued every step of the way. So, hit that start button and join us on this journey, because in our world, every game over screen isn't the end, it's the beginning of a new adventure.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:20):
Hey there, press starters and welcome to the
press start leadership podcast,the podcast about game changing
leadership, teaching you how toget the most out of your product
and development team and becomethe leader you were meant to be
leadership coaching andtraining for the international
game industry professional.

(00:40):
Now let me introduce you toyour host, the man, the myth,
the legend, christopher Mifsud.

Speaker 2 (00:49):
Hey there, press starters and welcome back to
another awesome edition of thepress start leadership podcast.
On this week's episode, we'llbe talking about the art of
tough talk, leading difficultconversations in the video game
industry, leveling up yourcommunication skills.
A guide for leaders to navigatehard talks in the game

(01:10):
development arena.
Everyone who's spent any timewith a gaming controller in hand
knows the frustration of seeinggame over flash across the
screen, especially when you werejust getting into the groove.
In the high stakes, high speedworld of the video game industry
, similar scenarios often playout beyond the screen in the
real world.
Projects get canceled, dealsfall through, layoffs happen or,

(01:35):
even worse, the studio mighthave to close its doors.
These are moments no one wants,but there is integral to the
industry as boss battles ofvideo games.
Being the bearer of such news,though, is a task that's an
elite of its own.
As a leader, these difficultconversations are an inevitable
part of your role.
So how do you, as a captain inthe video game industry,
navigate these tough talkswithout losing lives,

(01:57):
metaphorically speaking, how doyou bring down the game over
screen without the motivatingyour team?
Well, let's power up yourcommunication skills and explore
the quest.
Part one, the importance oftransparency.
In the world of gaming,everyone detests that hidden
trap or concealed enemy thatsuddenly jumps out and ends the
game.
Unexpected surprises might makea game thrilling, but in the

(02:19):
professional sphere, especiallywhen it involves potentially
life altering news, it could bea recipe for disaster.
Ambushing your team with badnews or hiding significant
changes can lead to mistrust,create anxiety and lower morale,
effectively crashing yourteam's productivity and
commitment levels.
Whether it's a deal that'sfallen through, a project
cancellation or the unfortunateoccurrence of layoffs, being

(02:42):
open and honest with your teamis a crucial leadership skill.
There might be a temptation tosugarcoat the situation, to
soften the blow or even thewithhold information in an
attempt to protect your team,but doing so can have a
boomerang effect, eroding trustand damaging your credibility as
a leader in the long run.
When a team can trust theirleader to communicate important
information, particularlynegative news, their commitment

(03:05):
and loyalty to the organizationcan take a serious hit.
Instead, it is important toshare the news in an honest,
straightforward and factualmanner, providing as much
information as you can about thesituation.
Explain the reasons behind thedecisions transparently.
Was it due to financialconstraints, or perhaps a shift
in the strategic direction ofthe organization.
Be upfront about the impactthat the decision will have on

(03:27):
the team, their projects andtheir roles.
This way, you're respectingyour team's ability to handle
difficult situations whilepromoting a culture of
transparency and mutual respect.
Part 2 showing empathy andunderstanding.
Every skilled game developerknows that creating a game that
resonates with players, one thatkeeps them coming back for more

(03:47):
, requires understanding theirplayers' emotions, motivations
and expectations.
Same principles applies whenleading difficult conversations.
When you're delivering newsthat's likely to disappoint,
worry or upset your team,showing empathy and
understanding towards theirfeelings can make a significant
difference.
Empathy in this context meansacknowledging and validating the

(04:07):
emotions your team membersmight be experiencing in
response to the news.
It's natural and expected forthem to feel a range of emotions
, from shock and denial to angerand worry.
Encourage them to share theirfeelings and thoughts about the
situation.
Create a safe space where theycan express their concerns and
fears without judgment orrepercussions.
Active listening is a keycomponent of empathy.

(04:28):
When your team members aresharing their feelings, listen
to understand, not just torespond.
Avoid interrupting or jumpingin with solutions.
Instead, acknowledge theiremotions.
Let them know that it's okaythat they feel the way they do
and assure them that theirfeelings are valid and important
, respond with understanding andempathy, without minimizing
their feelings or concerns.

(04:49):
This empathetic approach showsyour team that you care about
their well-being and not justthe bottom line, makes them feel
valued and respected, which cango a long way in maintaining
their loyalty and commitmentduring rough times.
Part three providing clearinformation and future steps.
In any complex video game level, a clear strategy,

(05:09):
understanding of the next stepscan often mean the difference
between getting to the nextlevel or seeing the dreaded game
over screen.
When delivering tough news,particularly news that could
significantly alter your team'swork or their employment status,
providing clear informationabout what's going to happen
next can help your team navigatethrough the uncertainty and
anxiety.
Once you've delivered the newsand emphasized with your team's

(05:30):
feelings, the next crucial stepis to provide clear and specific
information about what they canexpect moving forward.
If there are any measures inplace to mitigate the situation,
or next steps that have alreadybeen decided, share those with
your team.
This might include things liketimelines for project wrap ups,
details about severance packagesin case of layoffs, or
potential opportunities fortransfers or reassignments.

(05:51):
If you don't have all theanswers, which is often the case
in these situations.
Be honest about that as well.
Let them know that you're stillfiguring things out and that
you'll keep them updated as soonas you have more information.
This openness not only keepsthe lines of communication open,
but also helps manage yourteam's expectations and reduces
the chances of rumors ormisinformation spreading within
the team.

(06:12):
Part four open to questions andsupport.
In the world of gaming, we allknow the importance of a good
player guide when it comes tonavigating tough conversations.
Being open to questions andproviding support can make the
journey less daunting for yourteam.
Encourage your team members toask questions.
They might have concerns ordoubts about various aspects of
the situation For immediate nextsteps and job security, to

(06:33):
project handovers and clientcommunication.
Be prepared for these questionsand answer them as clearly and
directly as you can.
If you don't have the answersto a question, don't blow off or
make up information.
Instead, assure them thatyou'll find the answer and get
back to them.
Also, understand that noteveryone processes information
in the same way or at the samepace.
Some team members might need alittle more time to process the

(06:54):
news before they can think ofquestions or decide how they
feel about it.
Respect their need for time andspace and reassure them that
you're available to talk oranswer questions whenever
they're ready.
Where possible, offer yoursupport and reassurance.
This might be in the form ofcareer counseling or job search
assessments in case of layoffs,or additional resources and
support to handle projecttransitions.
Let them know that they're notalone in this and that you, as

(07:17):
their leader, are there tosupport them in any way you can.
Final thoughts Like the mostchallenging levels in a video
game, having difficultconversations is an inevitable
part of leadership in the videogame industry.
However, with the rightapproach, one that involves
transparency, empathy, clearcommunication and support, you
can navigate these tough talksand help your team emerge in the

(07:37):
other side, feeling respected,supported and valued.
After all, every game overscreen is not the end, but an
opportunity for a continue oreven a new game, a fresh start
with new opportunities.
All right, and that's thisweek's episode of the Press
Start Leadership Podcast.
Thanks for listening and, asalways, thanks for being awesome
'.