The game industry is currently facing a challenging time, with a significant portion of the American workforce experiencing layoffs and restructurings. Even successful game development teams, like the one behind Marvel Rivals, have not been immune to these layoffs. In response to this tumultuous environment, Retora Games founder and adjunct professor Tyler Coleman has been implementing unique class exercises and role play scenarios to prepare his students for the challenges they may encounter post-graduation.
Coleman’s approach involves creating hands-on experiences that force students to confront potential failures in the industry. He believes that the best lessons come from failure, and by not exposing students to these scenarios, they may not be adequately prepared for the harsh realities of the game development world. Through a series of experiments spanning the school term, Coleman aims to simulate the difficulties of the gig economy, negotiating with demanding clients, navigating studio hardships, and coping with the emotional toll of layoffs.
One of the standout experiments in Coleman’s curriculum is the Rapid Prototyping class, where students work in groups to create multiple small games throughout the term. The class culminates in a collaborative project where students represent different teams within a fictional AAA studio. Coleman intentionally introduces challenges and obstacles to set the teams up for failure, ultimately leading to a simulated layoff scenario where students are informed that their work belongs to the fictitious company.
While some elements of the experiments yielded positive results, such as helping students understand the emotional impact of layoffs and prompting them to update their resumes and build networks, there were also challenges. Some students panicked at the thought of failing the class, and the timing of the layoff simulation at the end of the term dampened the class’s enthusiasm. Coleman acknowledges the need for clearer communication and plans to refine the experiments to ensure a more constructive learning experience for his students.
Despite the unorthodox nature of Coleman’s approach, it addresses the harsh realities of the game industry where job security is often precarious. By exposing students to these challenges in a controlled environment, Coleman aims to better equip them for the uncertainties they may face in their careers. Moving forward, he plans to incorporate more direct lecturing time, adjust the timing of layoff simulations, and provide opportunities for reflection and feedback to enhance the learning outcomes for his students.
