Weekly Digest: The Games Industry’s Hot Topics
OpenAI’s Chaos: Sam Altman’s Return and What’s Next?
After the recent drama between OpenAI and Sam Altman, it’s important to note the reason behind Altman’s departure. Despite the focus on his exit, what truly matters is the groundbreaking technical breakthrough achieved by Altman’s team. This development, which could revolutionize the world of mathematics, led to differences in opinions and ultimately the removal of Altman. The unfolding of this story will soon reveal the cause of OpenAI’s internal turmoil and pave the way for an exciting future.
The UK Games Industry Struggles to Fill Vacancies Amid Mass Layoffs
Unemployment has plagued the gaming industry this year, with thousands of job losses reported. The lack of opportunities for junior developers exacerbates the issue, as studios prioritize hiring top senior talent. This leaves aspiring developers fresh out of university with limited options—only 34 junior vacancies currently available in UK studios out of 1,170 open positions. To secure these few roles, young developers face fierce competition from their peers and recently laid-off employees. The industry should address the shortage of opportunities, especially if there is a demand for senior developers in the UK.
Papukaya, the Supercell-Backed Studio, Shuts Down After Three Years
Papukaya recently announced its closure, underlining the challenges of game development and the competitive mobile market. Founded in 2020, the studio faced the additional hurdle of navigating the pandemic. Unfortunately, the experimental and niche nature of Papukaya’s games hindered its long-term success, despite support from industry giant Supercell. While it’s disheartening to see innovative thinkers struggle, it’s also commendable that they recognized when to move on. Other studios can learn valuable lessons from Papukaya’s journey.
Noice: Is This the Future of Livestreaming?
An exciting preview event introduced Noice, the new livestreaming platform that allows viewers to actively participate in the stream itself. The concept of engaging viewers by incorporating interactive elements aligned with the stream’s content is intriguing. Jussi Laakkonen’s innovative project, currently in closed beta, shows promise and could shape the future of livestreaming. Streamers and viewers alike have the opportunity to be part of this exciting new approach.