Marcin Undak, the lead engine engineer for Diablo 4, recently discussed the evolving landscape of AAA game development during the Digital Dragons conference. He noted that these games now commonly take seven to eight years to develop, which has significant implications for junior job applicants in the gaming industry. Major studios like Blizzard and CD Projekt are increasingly limiting junior openings, opting instead to fill roles with more experienced candidates, particularly when projects are already in full production. Undak pointed out that while the demand for experienced applicants has risen, it has always been crucial for even junior roles to have relevant experience, whether from personal projects or internships. He argued for the importance of having teams with varied seniority levels, as junior developers often bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm that can invigorate the development process. However, the lengthy production cycles mean that new projects, which typically create more junior roles, are becoming less frequent, making it challenging for less experienced individuals to enter the field.