How game b breaking are we talking about? Like slider set to 100 instead of 99, or are we talking about memory loop around, nuclear Gandi level of horny?
Syo
Just to point out, latest research shows productivity is a wash. Essentially, experienced workers saw productivity boost, while new hires since WFH have shown low productivity growth over the last 3 years. The leading theory is experience sharing that happened in person, in a casual manner, had a much larger impact in growing the company talent over longer terms.
Firms need to adapt to keep their talent competitive. Some firms choosing to go back to office is just one strategy.
If you're the game director and had so little sway to the producers /publishers, then you're nothing but a "yes man" figure head. Maybe go back to dev, the executive role isn't for you.
Otherwise, the only excuse is you initiated all these changes and you are completely out of touch with your customers.
Being transparent about your business, comes with pros and cons. Right now a female employee shared her end of the story to the web on why she quit, and you're seeing the reaction to it.
Edit: This amplified the ongoing issue about LTT and their information integrity, which is very likely due to root causes that Linus repeatedly ignored, or worse, believed he was right and everyone was wrong.
Yeah, to the OP in the posted tweet... I did put a lot of thought into it. If a game that's just $60 can do this, then all new games are measured against it. Go compete. If your business model is outdated, convince your investors to change or be downgraded to B tier game dev.
Don't come me, the consumer, complaining about your poor ability to hedge business markets. You saw BG3 in early access for 3 years, you knew it was coming.
With Elden Ring last year and TotK and BG3 now, I'm starting to feel that most Western studios, especially American ones, are just dead and run by parasitic C tier movie executives. Always rehashing the exact same IP / formula for each game, and some how doing a crappy job at that, while charging higher and higher price.
Gamers really need to be better consumers as well, and learn to detach ourselves from brand/studio loyalty. Your gaming time is highly desirable, don't sell it cheaply.
Crackdown? More like - finally able to go after tax frauds. They have more than enough money to make sure their accounts are all in order, not gaming the system.