Nobody Told You This About Consulting

The article explains why a growing number of game‑industry veterans are turning to consulting, largely as a survival strategy after widespread layoffs. In 2022 and again in 2026, more than 45 000 workers were let go, with a U.S. study indicating that one‑third of industry employees were laid off in 2025. The piece follows John Wright, a former VP at Kwalee who began consulting in 2025, to illustrate the typical post‑layoff trajectory. After announcing his availability on LinkedIn, Wright received a surge of attention—tens of thousands of views and dozens of messages—but only about 33 % converted into contracts. The author notes that the initial wave of interest is often short‑lived, and a stable pipeline usually takes close to a year for most newcomers without an established network.

Key findings include the psychological impact of identity loss when shifting from a senior role to advisory work, and practical advice on structuring fees (day rates with volume incentives, goal‑based or equity arrangements). The article stresses the importance of early rejection handling, recognizing time‑wasting leads, and accounting for seasonality—especially when working with European clients. It also highlights the benefits of fractional engagements, which keep consultants’ skills sharp and provide longer‑term relationships.

The piece concludes that consulting is likely a phase for many, given the industry’s pivot toward AI and slower hiring. It advises newcomers to secure at least three months of financial runway before starting, to focus on fractional roles for skill retention, and to avoid comparison traps. Overall, the article offers a realistic, data‑driven overview of consulting economics and career strategy in the current gaming landscape.