The Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco recently saw a striking billboard. It featured a giant, bald head and a message that caught the eye of many attendees. This billboard was not just any advertisement; it was a pointed jab at a former gaming executive known for his controversial decisions. The figure on the billboard was Gunther Harrison, a fictional character from an upcoming game called Revenge of the Savage Planet. The message on the billboard asked a question that resonated with many in the gaming industry: "Has a Harrison fired you lately? You might be eligible for emotional support. "

The billboard was a clear reference to Phil Harrison, a well-known figure in the gaming world. Phil Harrison had been at the helm of Google's Stadia, a cloud gaming service that ultimately failed. His tenure was marked by significant layoffs, including the shutdown of Google's Stadia Games & Entertainment (SG&E) publishing arm in early 2021. This move left many developers jobless, catching them off guard. One of the most notable cases was Typhoon Games, a Montreal-based studio acquired by Google in late 2019. Google had high hopes for Typhoon Games, expecting them to create exclusive content for Stadia. However, on the very day their game Journey to the Savage Planet launched as a Stadia exclusive, the developers found themselves out of work. This was just the beginning of a series of layoffs that would continue until Google shut down Stadia entirely by the end of 2022.

The impact of these layoffs was profound. Many developers were left in the luster, wondering what went wrong. For Typhoon Games, the experience was particularly bitter. After being let go by Google, the studio reformed as Raccoon Logic, with support from Tencent. They reacquired the rights to the Savage Planet franchise and are now set to launch the next game in the series in May. The billboard at GDC was a stark reminder of the past, a way for the developers to express their frustration and ensure that the industry remembers the treatment they received.

The gaming industry is no stranger to drama, but this billboard was a bold statement. It was a way for developers to voice their grievances and demand better treatment. The message was clear: the industry needs to do better by its creators. The billboard served as a wake-up call, a reminder that the actions of executives can have real consequences on the lives of developers. It was a call to action, urging the industry to prioritize the well-being of its creators and ensure that such mistreatment does not happen again. The gaming community is watching, and they are not afraid to speak up.

PHIL HARRISON

Gaming Developer's Bold Move at GDC

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