The recent restructuring at Jagex, the developer behind the iconic RuneScape franchise, has led to confirmed layoffs within the company. In a candid post on the game’s subreddit, Liam “Mod Hooli” Ashley, the head of community and social, addressed concerns regarding job losses. He acknowledged that staff redundancies have occurred as part of a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the focus on RuneScape games and fostering community growth.
Details of the Restructuring
According to Ashley, the layoffs primarily affected roles that are not directly involved in game development or player interaction. He expressed a commitment to transparency, stating, “It felt right to drop in on this and provide some level of comment to what’s going on as soon as I could.” However, he emphasized the need for discretion regarding the individuals impacted by these changes.
“Yes, there have unfortunately been job reductions at Jagex,” Ashley confirmed. “The majority of roles are from non-game dev and non-player facing areas. There are some exceptions within the RS team as part of the company’s focus on a streamlined development approach.”
Addressing concerns about the future of RuneScape 3, Ashley reassured the community that this restructuring does not signify a shift in the game’s direction. “We are still committed to growing this game and investing in it. Our Roadmap won’t change because of these job reductions, and we’ll continue the great path we’ve been on with our content,” he stated. He also promised to communicate further with the community at an appropriate time.
At the heart of this transition lies a commitment to support those affected by the layoffs. Ashley underscored the importance of prioritizing the well-being of impacted employees, stating, “What matters most right now are the people affected by this change. The studio’s focus is to support those affected, as is mine. Now is the time we put them first and do everything we can to help them out.”
This marks yet another chapter in Jagex’s ongoing evolution, which has seen multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years. The company is currently navigating this transition under new leadership, with CEO Jon Bellamy stepping in to replace long-time chief executive Phil Mansell.
Disclaimer: Alex Calvin is a freelance writer who has worked with Jagex in the past.
