Larian Studios' Director Criticizes Industry Layoffs and Marketing Trends

Michael Douse emphasizes the need for agility and direct audience engagement in the face of changing industry dynamics.

Larian Studios' Michael Douse discusses the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting issues such as mass layoffs, the changing nature of marketing, and the benefits of platforms like Steam.
Douse criticizes large companies for their inability to adapt quickly, leading to layoffs, which he describes as 'giant operational failures' and 'avoidable f*ck-ups.'
He advocates for a more nimble approach to business, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with audiences and the potential of Early Access launches.
The success of Baldur's Gate 3 is used as an example of how not adhering to traditional marketing strategies and genre predictability can lead to success.
Douse warns against the pitfalls of going public, suggesting it could compromise the quality of games in pursuit of financial gain.