A lot of people think the ATS is what’s stopping them getting interviews. It isn’t. And the whole idea of a ‘universal ATS’ score is mostly nonsense too.. There are hundreds of Applicant Tracking Systems out there. They all work differently. They’re all configured differently. And every company uses them in their own way. So how can some random website tell you what your CV’s ATS score is? It can’t. Those scores exist to make you think something is broken…so they can sell you the fix. Yes, some ATS platforms rank candidates. But that ranking is only against the specific job description you applied for. Even then, most good recruiters know the scoring is flawed. And here’s the other thing people forget. ATS systems have been around since the mid-90s. They’re not new. You didn’t have to “beat them” then. You don’t have to beat them now. Because there’s nothing to beat. Most automatic rejections happen because of screening questions in the application form, not your CV. So don’t write your CV trying to impress a robot. Write it for the human who’s actually going to read it.

Most of you know I stepped away for a couple of weeks. My kid had surgery, so family had to come first for a bit. Thankfully everything went well and we’re on the other side of it now. So it’s time to get this place moving again. While I’ve been away the industry hasn’t exactly improved. Layoffs still happening. Talented devs still getting ghosted. People still stuck in the classic “no experience, no job” loop. Which is exactly why this community exists. Not for fluff. Not for empty motivation posts. But to actually help game devs get work. So I’m back to doing what this space was meant for (including but not limited to:) • Job search advice • Opportunities I come across • Helping people break through the hiring wall I wanna know… - one thing that’s been positive over the past few weeks - And something that hasn’t gone so well… Let’s build accountability back and get some people unstuck/back into the industry. Time to press start again. 🎮

So somehow, while coming up with a castle for my other game project Phoenix Down, I was talking with my best friend; and she got into a tangent about how I should do a Castle Grayskull type thing. I’m not going to do that as it wouldn’t fit the vibe of the King (who’s more egotistical than a dark edge lord), but I decided to go ahead and design my own Castle Grayskull anyway.

Hi all, Some of you already know, but I just wanted to share a quick update as a few of you have messaged to check in. My little boy had to go in for surgery recently, which has meant I’ve been a bit quieter than usual and not as active on socials. All went well and he’s recovering nicely. That’s the main thing. Really appreciate those of you who reached out. It doesn’t go unnoticed. And apologies to those who I’ve not managed to speak to in recent weeks! Normal service will resume very soon 👊 Darren

Hi all, Encountering some tech issues. Unfortunately I'll have to cancel! BUT I am running a call on Sunday for anyone who wants a catch up, some accountbility for the last week and create some actions for the next week! Let me know who fancies it?