After the COVID-19 boom, where studios announced projects left, right, and center, things have taken a saddening turn for the worse for the industry. With news of layoffs and studio closures trickling in far too often for our liking, things are looking quite bleak, a sentiment echoed by Rob Carr, a former Rockstar audio engineer.
Carr spoke to Kiwi Talkz on YouTube, discussing the challenges he currently faces as he looks for his next big role in a career that has spanned the likes of titles like GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2, and L.A. Noire. You might think that those titles on their own would be enough to help a seasoned veteran land a new role with ease, but Carr disagrees.
“I got 20 years industry experience, I’ve worked on some of the biggest titles in the world, but there’s 35 other guys with the exact same amount of experience and tenure and projects behind them as I’ve got… when there’s literally thousands of people in the exact same situation, you find yourself in a position where it’s no longer like – my 20-year tenure is no longer good enough for me to get a job whereas five years ago it was.”
Carr’s statement reflects a time when gaming studios are struggling to stay afloat in the wake of a turbulent industry where nobody seems safe from the looming threat of downsizing. We told you about Polyarc and Eidos Montreal less than a week ago, and Epic Games a little before that.
For our part, we’re hoping that there’s a light at the end of this tunnel, for Carr and all the other talented individuals who have brought several of our favorite gaming-related memories to life.
It’s interesting to see the evolving landscape of the audio industry, especially with the challenges faced post-COVID. The insights from experienced professionals like this former engineer shed light on the shifting dynamics and expectations in the job market. It’s a reminder of how rapidly things can change in any field.
Absolutely, the shifting demands in the audio industry highlight the need for continuous skill development. With technology advancing so rapidly, even seasoned professionals may need to adapt to new tools and techniques to stay relevant. It’s a reminder that lifelong learning is crucial in any field!