Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast So You've Been Laid Off (Games Media Ed.) - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Jan 21, 2026
Matt Kim, a seasoned games journalist formerly at IGN and USGamer, shares his unexpected journey after being laid off. He reflects on the challenges facing games media, discussing the impact of layoffs, the struggle for media sustainability, and the evolving industry landscape. They critique the shrinking value of media in the face of economic pressures and explore new models like Patreon. Kim emphasizes the importance of passion and skill versatility for aspiring journalists. He also shares his job hunt and hopes to continue contributing to the gaming world.
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The Layoff Moment
- Matt describes the layoff meeting: a sudden calendar invite, being told the news, and immediate account lockouts.
- He left the office that day with little ceremony and then had weeks of unexpected free time to process and move on.
From College Blogs To IGN
- Matt traces his path from blogging in college to Inverse, then USgamer, then IGN after editors recruited him.
- He credits early freelance work and networking for landing newsroom roles and building his career.
More Games, Fewer Jobs
- Matt and Greg note layoffs now cut across studios and media despite more games being made than ever.
- They attribute this to leadership believing they can produce the same output with fewer people at the top.