As someone who has been deeply involved in the gaming industry for nearly two decades, including my time at Riot Games, I've witnessed the rollercoaster of emotions that come with unexpected layoffs. Recently, I've spoken to many people impacted by the layoffs at Riot Games, and a common thread emerges: we tend to focus too much on being laid off and get amnesia about the amazing work that we did.

The Psychological Impact of Layoffs in the Gaming Industry

Layoffs can be devastating, especially in an industry as dynamic and passionate as gaming. During my tenure at Riot Games, I saw firsthand how talented individuals could be affected by corporate decisions beyond their control. The emotional toll can be significant, often leading to self-doubt and a skewed perception of one's professional worth.

This amnesia about our accomplishments is more than just an emotional response; it can have real consequences on our careers. When we lose sight of our achievements, we lose power and agency over our own professional narratives. This isn't some platitude about gratitude or acceptance. It's about recognizing the tangible impact you've made and using that as a foundation for your future.

The Importance of Acknowledging and Celebrating Past Achievements

Every single one of you is awesome, and that fact doesn't change because a company made some strategic mistakes. Your contributions to projects, your innovative ideas, and your collaborative efforts have all contributed to the success of the games and experiences that millions of players enjoy.

For instance, during my time at Riot Games, I was part of teams that built Vietnam's first esports stadium and launched the Vietnam Championship Series. These weren't just job tasks; they were groundbreaking achievements that shaped the esports landscape in Southeast Asia. Similarly, each of you has accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Reflecting on these successes is crucial post-layoff. It's not just about boosting your mood; it's about reclaiming your professional identity. Your past achievements are the building blocks of your future success. They demonstrate your skills, your ability to overcome challenges, and your potential to bring value to future employers.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Professional Narrative

So, here's what I propose, 48 hours after the layoffs: It's important to write about the AWESOME you've accomplished during your precious months and years. What amazing things happened during your watch?

1. Choose the GREATEST THREE achievements from your time at Riot Games or in your gaming career.
2. Write about them in detail. What was the challenge? How did you approach it? What was the outcome?
3. Share these achievements. Post them on LinkedIn, include them in your resume, talk about them in interviews.

Make these achievements your sword and shield. They are your tools to conquer your tomorrows. For example, if you were part of the team that delivered the 2019 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational, write about how you overcame logistical challenges to create an unforgettable experience for millions of fans.

Remember, your accomplishments don't disappear just because your job did. If you developed a new feature that improved player experience, that impact continues. If you contributed to a successful game launch, that success is still part of your professional story.

As someone who has pivoted multiple times in my career - from digital advertising to gaming, to esports, and now to life coaching - I can attest to the power of owning your achievements. Each transition was made possible by recognizing and leveraging the skills and successes from my previous roles.

If you need to be reminded of your greatness, don't hesitate to reach out. As someone who was there, I remain in awe of each of you and the incredible work you've done. Your contributions have shaped the gaming industry, and that impact doesn't diminish with a layoff.

In the fast-paced world of gaming, it's easy to always look forward to the next project, the next launch, the next challenge. But in times of career transition, looking back at your achievements is not just beneficial - it's essential. It's the fuel that will drive you forward, the evidence of your capabilities, and the foundation upon which you'll build your next success.

So take the time to celebrate your achievements. Use them to reclaim your power and agency over your career. The gaming industry is full of opportunities for talented, passionate professionals like yourselves. Your next great achievement is just around the corner, built on the foundation of the incredible work you've already done.