Kuja

Living in Washington with the love of my life and three wonderful kids. Video game and sports junkie.

[Maximilian Dood @maximilian_]

Can't believe this is happening. @nhamaguc , the director of @finalfantasyvii Revelation is coming over to chat about the game. I'll field some questions from ya'll if you can get them to me in the next hour before they show up.
https://t.co/u6tSKyp4jP

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@ZoomkinsBL @AbsurdVentures Congrats!

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@jasonrmcintyre @OldTakesExposed

[Bee @eyesonbee]

Final Fantasy discourse is exhausting because people argue like there’s an objective “best game” instead of recognizing we all played completely different games emotionally.

Incoming thread of my gripe with how people handle this in the age of social media. 🧵:

[𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖌𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝕶𝖗𝖔𝖍𝖓 🌱💕 @MargaretKrohn]

The video game job market right now is rough, and it’s not just “a few studios tightening belts.”

After being laid off, the analytical nerd in me couldn’t just sit with the uncertainty. I needed to understand what was actually happening. So I started digging into industry data, reports, surveys, and trends to make sense of it all.

Here’s what I found, and what I’ve taken away.

We’re in a multi-year correction where talented people are getting squeezed by a mix of consolidation, project cancellations, and a shift toward fewer (often safer) bets.

Even with U.S. unemployment sitting around 4.4% overall (Dec 2025), our corner of the world is experiencing something very different.

What’s driving the pain in games:
🔸️Sustained layoffs + studio closures: Thousands of game developers have been laid off over the past two years, with 2025 alone seeing major cuts across studios of all sizes.
🔸️Fewer greenlights, more “efficiency” mandates: Companies are narrowing portfolios, reducing risk, and restructuring teams - often at the expense of experienced talent.
🔸️Industry-wide ripple effects: Surveys continue to show that a significant portion of developers have experienced layoffs or contract instability in the past 24 months.

How AI has changed recruiting (and why it feels harder)? AI didn’t “replace recruiters,” but it did reshape the funnel:
🔸️More companies now rely on automated screening and ranking tools.
🔸️Early-stage hiring is often filtered before a human ever reviews your profile.
🔸️The result: more competition, faster rejections, and less personalized feedback.

What’s helped me navigate this uncertainty:
🔸️Set daily goals - not just “apply more.”
✅ 2 tailored applications
✅ 1 meaningful networking touch
✅ 1 small resume/portfolio improvement
🔸️Optimize for AI + humans. Use the language from the job description (authentically), lead with measurable impact, and make your value obvious in the first 10 seconds.
🔸️Run my search like a project. I track roles, follow-ups, and outcomes. It reduces anxiety and keeps momentum when responses are slow.
🔸️Network with intention and generosity. I focus on learning, exchanging perspectives, and supporting others - not just “asking for jobs.”
🔸️Treat mental and physical health as part of the work.

If you’re going through this right now: you’re not failing. You’re navigating a historically difficult market.

And if you’re hiring, I’d love to connect you with a group of talented developers who were recently affected by layoffs. Please fill out this form: https://t.co/XKmwY5EnuV.

[𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖌𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝕶𝖗𝖔𝖍𝖓 🌱💕 @MargaretKrohn]

Well… this chapter has come to a close.

My time at Intrepid Studios has officially ended.

To the @AshesofCreation community - you are some of the most passionate, dedicated players I’ve ever seen in this industry. I genuinely wish I could have done more for you. I gave everything I had, and did my very best with what was within my power. And I ask one last favor of you, please be kind to the developers, we are people who have families who have just lost our jobs after pouring our hearts and souls into Ashes of Creation.

To my incredible Game Services team - you are an absolute AAA team. Talented, kind, collaborative, and just genuinely good people. I’d take each of you with me on any project, any day. I care so deeply for all of you, and I know our bond is one I’ll carry forever. I’ll never forget our time together and you know where to find me if you need anything. Always.

As for how this all ended… I don’t really have the words. It wasn’t what I expected. But I’m holding onto the good because there was so much of it.

With that, I’m officially looking for new opportunities.

If you know of any leadership or director-level roles in narrative, community, marketing, or social, I’d be grateful for any leads or connections. 💕

[Cohh Carnage @CohhCarnage]

This person is a top-of-the-line community manager, so if your project needs one, give her a ring! 😁

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@MargaretKrohn @AshesofCreation Whaaaat no way 😭 you’ve been so passionate about the game and its development, this is so hard to believe. I’m sorry Maggie ❤️

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@lvladen Hype!

[Lvladen @lvladen]

Will be giving away an Outland Epic edition tonight in celebration of Midnight prepatch. Like, follow, and comment for a chance to win! Planning on drawing the winner 8pm EST. #WoW_Partner

[Enrico Pace @lePardal_]

SALVE GUILDA!
Estarei sorteando HOJE um PACOTE ÉPICO de OUTLANDS em comemoração para o lançamento de TBC Clássico de Aniversário!
Para participar basta:
🔹Seguir @lePardal_
🔹Dar like nesse post
🔹Dar RT nesse post

O vencedor vai ser divulgado às 23h!!
#WoW_Partner #WoWBrasil

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@Karlanndro Zangarmarsh!

[Karlandro🦉🦧 @Karlanndro]

Sorteo paquete TBC Classic Aniversario!
Incluye: 4 monturas, 2 pets, juguete, efecto piedra de hogar, bost nivel 58 y 30 días de tiempo de juego
✅Sigueme @Karlanndro
✅Retuit y like
🌎Comenta cual es tu zona favorita de Terallende
Sorteo el 20 de enero
#WoW_Partner #WoWLATAM

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@Sarthetv @Warcraft Alliance!

[Sarthe🔜Summer Games Fest @Sarthetv]

To celebrate my return to @Warcraft I'm giving away a TBC Classic Anniversary Outland Epic Edition! 🥳

✅Follow me! (@Sarthetv )
❤️🔁Like & Share This Post
☄️Comment HORDE or ALLIANCE below!
⏳Winner will be drawn Jan 19th ⌛️

Good luck everyone!
#WoW_Partner #Warcraft

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@danorlovsky7 No mahomes no burrow no Jackson still can’t win

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@kevinwildes No mahomes no burrow no Jackson still can’t win

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@getnickwright No mahomes no burrow no Jackson still can’t win

[TheBunten 🔜BlizzCon2026 @thebunten]

🔥Outland Epic Edition giveaway 🔥

♥️Like
✅Follow
🔄️Retweet

⏳Ends Jan 20th⌛
#Warcraft #TBC #WoW_Partner #GIVEAWAY

[Kuja @Kuja_20]

@Darkladycosplay @ZoomkinsBL @Warcraft For the horde!