Introduction

In an eye-catching move during this week's Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, a gaming studio has taken a humorous jab at Phil Harrison, the former Google executive who oversaw the tumultuous launch and eventual decline of the Google Stadia cloud gaming service. Nearly two years since he left the company amidst widespread criticism, it seems Harrison's reputation still leaves a sour taste among developers.

The Billboard's Message

Spotted by VGC, a colossal billboard in San Francisco's Union Square features the comically exaggerated bald head of Gunther Harrison, a fictional CEO from the satirical game Revenge of the Savage Planet. The billboard boldly asks passersby, "Has a Harrison fired you lately? You might be eligible for emotional support." This cheeky remark strikes at the heart of Harrison's controversial tenure, as he was known for making tough decisions that left several developers without jobs.

Harrison's Impact on the Industry

Under Harrison's leadership, Google shut down Stadia Games & Entertainment (SG&E) in early 2021, a move that shocked many, particularly those at Montreal's Typhoon Games. Just as their game, Journey to the Savage Planet, launched as a Stadia exclusive, the entire SG&E team was disbanded, leaving many talented individuals searching for new opportunities. Google would further surprise the industry by ultimately shutting down Stadia entirely by the end of 2022, adding to the frustrations of developers involved.

The Developers Speak Out

But it seems the pain is still fresh for these developers. Typhoon Games, having rebranded as Raccoon Logic thanks to financial backing from Tencent, has reclaimed the rights to the Savage Planet franchise. As they prepare to launch the next installment, they haven’t forgotten the difficulties they faced during Google's hasty foray into game publishing. In an interview, co-founder Alex Hutchinson lamented that Google's expectations for cloud-exclusive games were unrealistic, stating, “They wanted us to create massive titles with a minimal workforce, which simply doesn’t happen.”

Promoting Mental Health

To further spread their message, Raccoon Logic's billboard features a QR code leading to a promotional site for Revenge of the Savage Planet. The site carries the cheeky message, "We got fired by him as well!" and commits to donating to the Canadian Mental Health Association for each scan, with donations currently hovering below $2,500.

Phil Harrison's Legacy

Phil Harrison became a prominent figure in the gaming industry when he joined Google in 2018, presenting Stadia as a revolutionary platform. Just a few years later, however, he became synonymous with one of the largest failures in gaming history. Before his controversial role at Google, Harrison held positions at Sony and Microsoft, both of which were marred by problematic launches, including the troubled PlayStation 3 and the Xbox One.

Conclusion

As of now, Harrison has not publicly announced any new work following his departure from Google, leaving many curious about his next steps in the game industry. This billboard serves not just as a reminder of Harrison's legacy but also as a rallying cry for those affected by his decisions. Will it spark a conversation about accountability in the gaming industry, or simply be a fleeting moment of levity at the GDC? Time will tell!