In a recent development, 2K Games, the US publisher renowned for its portfolio of engaging video games, has confirmed a staff reduction at Firaxis Games, the esteemed studio behind the beloved Civilization series. In a statement provided to Game Developer, the company refrained from disclosing the exact number of employees affected, merely acknowledging that redundancies have occurred.
Reports from within the studio suggest that the layoffs may involve dozens of employees. Notably, 2K has not submitted a WARN notice in Maryland, where Firaxis is headquartered, which typically serves as a formal notification of mass layoffs.
Restructuring for Future Growth
A representative from 2K stated, “We can confirm there was a staff reduction today at Firaxis Games, as the studio restructures and optimizes its development process for adaptability, collaboration, and creativity.” This move appears to be part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the studio’s operational efficiency.
The confirmation of layoffs comes in the wake of LinkedIn posts from former employees announcing their departures from the company, with affected roles spanning quality assurance, art, and production departments. This restructuring follows the launch of Civilization 7 in 2023, a title that, while eagerly anticipated, has seen sales described by Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, as “slow.” The implications of these layoffs on the studio’s future projects and overall morale remain to be seen, as the gaming community watches closely for further developments.
