Tiny changes that transform interviews into real opportunities, without needing to be flawless.

Welcome to the 20th issue of Talent Play Zone!

Hey there, it’s Matteo!

You made it to the interview. That already means something, your work stood out, your voice was heard. That’s worth acknowledging.

But here’s where many candidates lose momentum: what to do after the interview.

Should you follow up? How long should you wait? What if you hear nothing?

Most people treat this moment passively... but that’s a mistake. What happens after the interview can still move the needle.

This issue is here to help you handle that moment with confidence, strategy, and clarity.

Let’s make sure you don’t just hope for the best... you stay visible, intentional, and ready.

No, they’re not just waiting for the perfect answer to magically surface in their mind.

After interviews, they’re asking:

💬 “It’s not just who impressed us... it’s who stayed present. The follow-through matters.”– Senior Producer, AAA Montreal Studio

🎯 Your interview isn’t your final impression. Your next move is.

Write it within 24 hours. Mention something specific from your chat… a system, an idea, or even a team insight.

“Thanks again for sharing your team’s process for iterating on AI behaviors... it made me reflect on how I approach my own enemy design loop.”

If the studio posts something, comment, like, or share. Not daily. Just enough to show you’re still present and genuinely interested.

Polish your LinkedIn, share a recent project, show curiosity. This isn’t about proving yourself... it’s about reminding them of your potential.

Don’t overthink what to say. Just use this.

I created a free Post-Interview Action Kit to help you stay confident and organized:

Inside:

📥 Download it here

It’s not just a tool... it’s a mindset shift. Use it the moment your interview ends.

Silence isn’t always a no.

Behind the scenes, teams might be:

📊 Average post-interview wait time:2–4 weeks (junior/mid roles)4–6+ weeks (senior/international)

✅ Wait with intention... follow up once, then keep moving.

If it’s been 10–14 days, try this:

Subject: Follow-Up – [Your Name], [Role Name]

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],Thanks again for the great conversation about the [Role Name] position. I enjoyed learning more about your team and the work you're doing.

I’m still excited about the role and happy to provide anything further. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,[Your Name][Portfolio or LinkedIn]

Interviews aren’t finish lines. They’re checkpoints.

Some roles will move forward, some won’t… but your effort always builds something.

Momentum. Confidence. Reputation. Progress.

Keep showing up. Quietly, thoughtfully, consistently... that’s how careers in games are built.

Just hours after laying off thousands of employees across Xbox divisions, including teams from Blizzard, King, and Bethesda. Microsoft invited studios to an AI roundtable at Gamescom 2025.

The event, hosted by ID@Xbox, aimed to gather feedback on how AI can “make development more efficient.” But the timing couldn’t have felt worse: entire projects like Perfect Dark and Everwild were canceled, and many devs hadn’t even been informed of their employment status.

Reports suggest Microsoft’s $80 billion investment in AI may be part of the reason behind the cuts. While some execs see AI as the future of efficiency, many developers see a troubling trend: the replacement of people with automation.

Studios are already experimenting with AI-generated art, text, and NPCs. But to many, it feels like creativity is being sidelined for shareholder satisfaction.

This moment highlights a growing divide: between the tech-driven future that’s being built, and the human stories and skills being left behind.

If AI is the tool, it’s up to us to make sure people remain the heart of this industry.Because without developers, there is no game.

🔗 Source: Kotaku

Hideo Kojima’s latest creation, Death Stranding 2, officially launched on June 26, 2025, and it’s already making waves.

The sequel builds on the emotional depth and visual ambition of the first game, bringing back Sam Bridges in a darker, more surreal world. With expanded gameplay, cinematic storytelling, and a star-studded cast including Elle Fanning and Léa Seydoux, this is more than just a sequel… it’s an experience.

Why it matters: It’s not just visually stunning, it asks big questions about connection, grief, and rebuilding — and that’s exactly the kind of story players (and GOTY juries) remember.

🎯 If you’re building a career in games, study how Kojima blends gameplay with emotion; it’s design with purpose.

🔗 More on Polygon

Timing is everything. When Vampire Survivors exploded in 2022... Soulstone Survivors was ready to ride the trend, and it paid off.

Built in just a few months by Allan Smith, founder of Game Smithing, the game quickly went viral thanks to a playable demo, a strong Discord community, and fast iteration. What started as a side project became a breakout success; it hit over 1 million copies sold and earned a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.

But it came at a cost. Smith worked 20-hour days while juggling a full-time job, building the game that would eventually let him go independent.

Three years later, the full version launched on June 17, 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The genre is more saturated now, but the game’s depth, customization (500+ skills), and community-first approach have left a lasting impact.

Soulstone Survivors may have surfed a trend... but it did it with heart, hustle, and smart design.

And for indie devs? It’s a reminder that speed, community, and timing still matter.

🔗 Read the full story on GamesIndustry.biz

You didn’t expect this.

With the recent layoffs across studios like Microsoft and Xbox, many talented developers are suddenly without work… and wondering what comes next.

In the next issue, we’ll explore:

Because this isn’t the end of your story. It’s a reset point. One that you can navigate with clarity, strength, and purpose. in

📱 DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram if you want to share your experience or just need someone to talk to.

Let’s keep building a more human industry... even when the path gets rough.

💛 We’ll rebuild together.    See you in two weeks.

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