Everyone who watched The Game Awards last night saw our absolute HERO, Amir Satvat, win the Game Changers award, the first of its kind for the show. Thousands of talented people were forcibly removed from the gaming industry for reasons beyond anyone’s understanding. How do game companies and developers expect more from The Game Awards in the future if they repeatedly lay off teams that are creating excellent work? I mean, we saw Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown win an award at The Game Awards after the entire team was disbanded last October. Yes, the entire team was let go two months before an awards show that specifically highlighted their incredible game.
For those unaware, the games industry has suffered close to 35,000 layoffs in the last two years, with only more to come, according to Satvat’s annual layoffs projection. That’s what really makes Amir’s win for the Game Changer award so significant. As a result of all of these layoffs, he took it upon himself to create a hiring workbook that has helped many industry personnel (including myself) find jobs within the gaming industry. Not only that, he’s created resources for people to find mentors within the industry, paved the way for accessible games education, and given hope to hundreds, if not thousands, of gamers who had suddenly felt that a future in games was no longer possible. His speech was absolutely incredible, highlighting his community and the people who helped put him on this stage, something that might not necessarily resonate with the room he’s speaking to. The fact that The Game Awards made room for him to have a speech after so many who won awards were simply passed over was rather incredible. They knew that this was something that couldn’t be glazed over.
“I love video games with all my heart. To all game makers everywhere, you are seen and treasured and our community will always be there to help you.”
He thanked his family, his parents, his grandparents, and everyone who has ever supported his absolute love for the industry that shaped the man he is today. If you don’t watch his YouTube videos, then start. I’ve never known someone to be so indebted to the world of video games to the point where they feel the need to contribute in one of the most significant ways possible: giving back to the people who gave so much. He’ll record piano covers of his favorite songs from games like Wind Waker and Diablo 2, and bring absolute joy to every project he sets forth. The only thing that made all of this better was that Satvat’s speech was more of a conversation with the room. Sure, he was talking about the community that granted him this opportunity, but that community wouldn’t exist had the people in power of some gaming companies paid attention to the talent on their teams.
After Amir Satvat walked off-stage, a single question kept repeating itself in my mind: Of all the games being shown for release in 2025, how many of those teams will no longer exist because of the rise of gaming layoffs? It’s incredibly sad to think about, but it’s just the blinding reality. Hopefully, with the help of Amir’s community, the future of games will continue to look bright. The Game Changer award couldn’t have possibly gone to anyone more deserving.
