Some people have always said that the video game industry was recession proof, but I’m not so sure about that anymore. Our current “recession” has the potential to become a full-blown depression by 2009 if some changes don’t start taking place. If our economy goes much further down the drain, I have to wonder if buying video games will still be a priority for even some of the hard-core gamers out there. The housing and banking industries are in shambles. We’re currently in the middle of the second most expensive war in American history (if you calculate World War II by today’s money value) and if McCain somehow gets elected, that war will not end during his days in office, or possibly during our lives.
Earlier, I was reading an article on CNN about a professional in an upscale California neighborhood with an MBA who killed himself and his entire family due to the fact that he couldn’t find a job. While his actions seemed a little crazy, I can certainly understand why it happened. There’s a fundamental problem with society when people with MBAs can’t find jobs. I’m sure we’ll be reading about more suicides caused by the economy over the next year or two. There was a time when I thought hard work, education and determination would get you places. Now, I’m starting to learn that it’s really a roll of the dice regardless of how much work you put in. Last year, things were really rolling for me. I had two jobs that paid well, a nice car and pretty much anything I could possibly need in life. I even had stacks of $20s in my wallet. Now I sometimes have to resort to finding couch change when I head out to the store. One of my jobs was working as a news editor for Ziff Davis Media Game Group. I quit the position for various legitimate reasons (including bounced checks and other things), but I am starting to regret that now. I assumed I would easily be able to pick up another job (in gaming or outside). I’ve actually never had to submit more than a couple resumes to pick up a good job in my entire life until now. I’ve probably submitted approximately 150 in the past 6 months with no results. Part of the problem is that I currently live in an area that’s been hit rather hard by our economic fall. The other problem is that I burned through my savings and don’t really have the cash to pull off a move to a better location. I guess I’m basically screwed unless something really awesome happens soon. A short 12 months later (after 2007), I have no job (other than some freelance work I do online and that certainly doesn’t cut it), had to get rid of my car and I’m constantly wondering where the next meal is coming from for the family. I often wonder if my bad luck this year could be a little karma as well. In the past, I’d always think people who couldn’t find jobs were simply lazy. Now I realize getting a job is more about being in a fortunate position than anything else.
Back to the gaming issue… some people still believe gaming is recession proof, but I’m not sure if it will be for much longer. When people have to make the decision between buying a game and buying groceries, I am sure most will opt for groceries. Are we actually headed into a massive economic depression? I can’t say for sure, but it certainly seems like a possible path we are headed down. I’m not sure if this current financial state we’re in has affected many gamers out there, but it has certainly changed my gaming ways. Fortunately, I sometimes get free games to test out because of this blog, but I don’t buy new games in the store anymore. I have reverted to the old barter system where I trade games and other things to my friends for the games I need to play. I don’t even trade in games to GameStop anymore. That’s just simply not a smart thing to do when money is tight. Hopefully, we’ll see things turn around in 2009, but my confidence in the economy certainly does not exist.
October 7th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Excellent post Will, I think that it really underlines the concern that many, including myself, are feeling about the economy.
By the way, it’s ‘hard work’ not ‘hard word,’ but that is merely a small stain on what is otherwise one of the most detailed posts I have seen in a while.
Make sure every gaming blog gets this; it is too important to ignore!
October 7th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Thanks man. The typo is what I get for typing in the dark when I’m already tired
I do think the economy when it comes to the gaming industry will be an issue soon. It’s “recession proof”, but perhaps not for long…
October 7th, 2008 at 1:55 am
Great post, Will.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
How about pulling a ‘Data’ from The Goonies. Make your own “Fifty Dolla Bill, FIFTY DOLLA BILL”, “You GUYS… FIFTY DOLLA BILLS!!!”
Sorry, I thought this downer of a post needed some lift.
October 7th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
trust me.. printing fake money is an idea that’s been spinning around my head for the past few weeks. With the U.S. dollar continually losing value, I’d have to wonder if the ink and paper would cost more than the real thing