Despite widespread layoffs and escalating hardware prices, Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits has stated that it is a "great time to be in the industry." Willits pointed to the accessibility of platforms like mobile phones and the widespread availability of development tools as key factors that empower creators.
"You can put a game on your phone. You can make an independent game on any platform. You can make a Fortnite cloud game. You know, you can make a mega-hit. You can do so much," Willits said in a recent interview. He acknowledged the current challenges, including expensive RAM and GPUs, but emphasized that individuals already possess a primary development platform in their smartphones.
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Regarding the tens of thousands of developers who have faced layoffs, Willits encouraged those affected to form small teams and begin working on new projects. He believes the proliferation of development tools reduces the barrier to entry, making it feasible to create compelling games without massive budgets. "I do encourage them—and I know I'm maybe a half full kind of guy—but I do encourage them to find a handful of their friends and start working on something. There are so many tools out there, and it doesn't take a huge effort, doesn't take a huge development budget, and make something cool," he stated.
Willits also expressed optimism about the prospects for displaced developers, suggesting they will likely be "reabsorbed" by other companies. "Other developers and publishers and companies around the world are looking at these super talented people that are free, and I bet you'll see some news that will come out soon," he predicted.
However, reports indicate that a significant portion of game industry workers laid off in recent years have struggled to find new employment. The GDC's 2026 State of the Game Industry Report revealed that one-third of US games industry workers experienced layoffs over the past two years, with nearly half of those unable to secure new roles within the sector. Meanwhile, major companies that could potentially absorb large numbers of these professionals have also been undertaking significant workforce reductions.