Rob Carr, a veteran who worked on GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption, and more, just dropped some honest truth about the gaming job market. Despite having 20 years of experience, he says getting a job right now feels like flipping a coin. That’s because so many others have the same level of experience and background, making the competition insanely tough.
GTA 5 Veteran Says Experience Alone Doesn’t Cut It Today
Rob Carr isn’t just any dev. He’s someone who’s been behind some of the biggest Rockstar Games hits like GTA 5 and L.A. Noire. But he recently shared in an interview that the job market for game developers isn’t what it used to be. “My 20-year tenure is no longer good enough,” he said bluntly. What used to be a solid resume is now just part of the crowd.
He explained that when he applies for jobs now, there are dozens of other candidates with nearly identical experience. “I got 20 years industry experience, I’ve worked on some of the biggest titles in the world, but there’s 35 other guys with the exact same amount of experience and tenure and projects behind them as I’ve got.” That means even with years of top-level work, landing a new role feels uncertain.
Why Game Dev Jobs Are Harder to Land Than Ever
The gaming industry had a boom around the Covid pandemic, with many studios growing quickly thanks to increased demand. But that surge didn’t last. Some companies, like Ubisoft, admitted they started too many projects expecting the boom to continue, and it didn’t. This slowdown means fewer openings and more experienced people chasing the same spots.
Rob also mentioned layoffs and studio closures becoming more common. Losing a job is tough, but when thousands are in the same boat, the struggle gets real. He said, “It’s not nice to lose your job at any particular point, but when there’s literally thousands of people in the exact same situation, you find yourself in a position where it’s no longer like – my 20-year tenure is no longer good enough for me to get a job whereas 5 years ago it was.”
What’s Rob Doing Now?
Currently living in Finland, Rob is working on his own game called Nyrkkipoyta and runs a blog called Audio Expat. After his contract ended with Blizzard, where he helped on Overwatch 2, he hasn’t landed a new full-time gig. His experience shows that even well-known developers are feeling the pinch right now.
This glimpse into the reality behind the scenes highlights a tough moment for gaming pros, even those with decades of work on major titles. It’s a reminder that the industry’s glow can hide some real challenges for talented folks trying to keep their careers alive.
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