Without a doubt, this last week has been one of the most impactful in recent memory when it comes to studio closings. Between Capcom Vancouver and Telltale Games shuttering their studios, many projects and the people working on them are up in limbo with their futures uncertain.
Thankfully, gaming publishers and developers don’t exist in a vacuum. Only moments after official announcements of bankruptcy came from Telltale, a trending hashtag campaign #TelltaleJobs started making its way through Twitter’s game developer and enthusiast circles.
Even better, it wasn’t just people looking to support those laid off. Developers and publishers took turns extending help where available.
One of the most noteworthy is developer Guerrilla Games (Horizon Zero Dawn, Killzone series) who noted they are hiring for all positions and even willing to relocate:
My heart goes out to all affected by recent studio closures and layoffs ❤️ We’re hiring for all positions, not all are listed, feel free to reach out. @Guerrilla offers great healthcare & work-life balance. We’ll help you relocate too. We’d love to hear from you. #TelltaleJobs https://t.co/9ZB4BPlIri
— Angie Smets (@AngieSmets) September 22, 2018
To those affected by recent studio closures, We have open positions across multiple disciplines. We would love to hear from you.https://t.co/G9tvnSkQQQ
Please feel free to reach out if you happen to have any questions. #TelltaleJobs pic.twitter.com/EmXP8mXxFD
— Guerrilla Jobs (@guerrilla_jobs) September 22, 2018
The other huge name in the bunch is Ubisoft San Francisco, creators of Rocksmith and South Park: The Fractured But Whole, who planned a local meet-up with staffing opportunities:
If you're looking for a new gig, #UbiSF is hosting a little shindig up in San Rafael — join us Monday at 4:30ish and meet some of our team, get the scoop on how we're staffing up. We might be just what you need. #telltalejobs https://t.co/wlUgf8O386
— Ubisoft SF (@UbisoftStudioSF) September 22, 2018
Other big names came out in a show of support as well, including Cory Barlog and Matt Sophos from Sony Santa Monica (God of War):
Oh man, that sucks to hear about another studio closure. I love the work they did on TWD and Wolf Among Us. @SonySantaMonica has many different positions so please feel free to get in contact with us! #TelltaleJobs
Thank you to all the devs there!❤️https://t.co/tz94h3QMt2
— Cory Barlog 🎮 🏳️🌈 Should be writing! (@corybarlog) September 21, 2018
Ugh. Really HATE what happened with @telltalegames. They occupied a really unique space in our industry and had some incredibly talented folks over there.
We're hiring for several positions here at @SonySantaMonica, so please reach out if you're affected.#TelltaleJobs
— Matt Sophos (@mattsophos) September 21, 2018
Not to be left out of the Sony party, Bend Studios (Days Gone) is looking to connect with people affected by the layoffs:
We are extremely sorry to hear about the reported layoffs over at Telltale. Our hearts go out to those affected.
Our studio is actively hiring and would love to connect with you! https://t.co/PaZzVWI5ob #TelltaleJobs
— Bend Studio #DaysGone @ TGS2018 (@BendStudio) September 21, 2018
Also in the loop are some of the largest publishers in the industry, including Blizzard and Gearbox Studios:
To everyone affected, connect with our recruiters and check our openings. And thank you. The entertainment you've given us over the years has been incredible and is a testament to your collective talent and passion. Hang in there, thinking of you! 💙#telltalejobs #gaming #gamedev https://t.co/bKylgjL1HC
— Blizzard Careers (@BlizzardCareers) September 21, 2018
We are very sorry to hear about the layoffs at @TelltaleGames. To all of our friends affected, please check our current openings for possible matches: https://t.co/ka0JeGTtKI #telltalejobs
— Gearbox Official (@GearboxOfficial) September 21, 2018
And that’s not to say that other smaller developers didn’t reach out for support as well. Developer Hairbrained Schemes (Necropolis, Shadowrun) offered a few opportunities for those looking to send out portfolios:
So sad to hear about everyone affected by the Telltale closing. HBS is hiring, so if you're open to Seattle, check here: https://t.co/8s45wChDQ9.
Also send res or portfolio to Jobs@hbs-studios since we have roles coming up soon that haven't been posted yet! #TelltaleJobs
— Harebrained Schemes (@WeBeHarebrained) September 22, 2018
Meanwhile both Adam Boyes of Iron Galaxy and The Molasses Flood opened up some opportunities for the suddenly struggling developers:
Super sad to hear about the crew at Telltale – a lot of my friends were working there. If any of you need a hug, I'm here for ya! If you need a place to land, we're hiring at Iron Galaxy, both Chicago and Orlando locations https://t.co/eteJlWhzls #telltalejobs
— ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ʙᴏʏᴇs (@amboyes) September 21, 2018
Our studio was formed in the wake of a day like today. It's rough when your studio goes down. Our hearts are with all the folks from Telltale.
Also, we're hiring. If you're interested, get in touch: https://t.co/fIRwwvphgf #TelltaleJobs
— The Molasses Flood (@molassesflood) September 21, 2018
Without a doubt, the loss of Telltale Games and Capcom Vancouver are going to be a big hit on the industry. But it’s uplifting to know that other developers and publishers are looking to offer a helping hand in any way they can.