Recent layoffs at BioWare, developer of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have sparked widespread conversation about the current state of the gaming industry. Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Daus, has again taken to social media to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of valuing employees and holding leadership accountable for layoffs.

Daus argues that significant team reductions between or after projects are avoidable. He stresses the critical role of retaining institutional knowledge for future projects. While acknowledging the financial pressures that sometimes necessitate "trimming the fat," he questions the excessive efficiency pursued by large corporations. He points out that this aggressive cost-cutting, often manifested as layoffs, is ultimately a flawed strategy, particularly when contrasted with consistent success in game releases.

Daus highlights the inherent problem: upper management's strategies often lead to the dismissal of lower-level employees. He uses the analogy of a pirate ship, where the captain would be the first to be thrown overboard in times of crisis. He suggests that the gaming industry should adopt a more responsible leadership model, prioritizing employee retention and strategic planning over drastic cost-cutting measures.