Recent layoffs at BioWare, developer of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, have sparked widespread conversation about the current state of the gaming industry. Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Daus, has again commented on social media, this time addressing industry layoffs. He emphasizes the importance of valuing employees and holding decision-makers accountable, rather than frontline staff:

Avoiding large-scale layoffs between or after projects is achievable. Preserving institutional knowledge is vital for future projects.

While "trimming the fat" – eliminating redundancies – is a frequently cited reason, Daus questions its necessity, particularly in the context of large corporations' aggressive efficiency drives. He argues that this approach, while understandable during financial hardship, is ultimately a drastic cost-cutting measure, rather than a solution. The problem, he suggests, lies in the strategic decisions made by upper management, while the consequences disproportionately affect lower-level employees. He uses the analogy of a pirate ship, where the captain, not the crew, would be the first to be sacrificed. Daus concludes that the video game industry should adopt a more responsible management style.