I'm going to officially declare January as the worst month in the history of the gaming industry in terms of terms of employment.  By my count there have been over 10 separate instances of jobless with over 30,000 people having lost or about to lose their job.  

It all started back in early January when a good chunk of the 1UP Staff was let go and EGM shut down as Hearst Inc purchased 1UP from Ziff Davis.  This resulted in over 30 job losses and many industry journalists scrambling to find jobs.

From there, things just sort of steam rolled with daily layoffs, studio closures and more being announced every day.

Read The Full Article: Layoffs are NOT Co-Op

What's really surprised me is the number of bigger name studios that have had layoffs, particularly EA Tiburon. Though I suppose it might make sense. In better times, those studios may not have had as much pressure to be as efficient as a less successful studio, so there may be more leeway to trim down (from the accountants perspective).

It's the bigger studios that always have the higher overhead costs. Newer, smaller studios are used to working with only the essentials.

Well, it's sad that so many people are losing their jobs both in this industry and outside of it.

Even before the economic fallout, this industry was never a stable industry for jobs.

Nick, I'm curious what you think about Bush's unemployment benefit extension...whereas the previous unemployment benefits would end after 26 weeks, people who have lost their job can now claim up to 39 weeks of benefits.

Personally, I think that if you can't find a job in 26 weeks that pays better than federal benefits do (a mere portion of your previous 52-week mean income), then 13 more weeks isn't going to help, because you're being too picky.

With all of the job loss going on right now, the government is going to be paying out BIG time...and now that the extension is in place, all of those willing to milk the extra weeks will cost taxpayers 50% again on top of the usual payout.

Like I said on Twitter: it boggles me that all of these people are being unceremoniously canned, and yet Wal-Mart's parking lots are still cluttered with abandoned carts, and it still takes 20 minutes to check out with one item.

I hope that's not too insensitive. I know that it's not the employees' fault. But they have to survive.

People have pride. Sometimes it's tough for the guy making 50k a year to take a 20k job collecting carts at Wal-Mart.

Also sometimes you have to suck it up.

Basically it's not a black and white answer. It'll never be. None of us will ever understand each individuals situation. For instance, some of these people I know have gotten severance pay for a few months. So technically they aren't even claiming unemployment.

Most people, I know I do, pay into an unemployment tax. I have for most of my life. I would think that when the time comes I have the right to use what I paid into.

I hear you. I like your answer...I think it's one of the most painfully honest statements I've heard in a while -- pride has a lot to do with it, I think.

But do you think that everyone else has the right to use what you paid into? For 39 weeks?

Personally, I think that 39 weeks is a bit much. But the world keeps turning, I suppose.

No, but I'd like to think if ever the time comes that I need it, that I could have the luxury as well. It's like any insurance policy.

39 Weeks is excessive, and I think most people would simply get bored. I know if I had 39 weeks off I could do a shit ton with this site.