In a significant shift for the Australian virtual reality landscape, Toast Interactive, the studio renowned for its innovative VR experiences, has announced a major reduction in its workforce. Founders Toni and Richard Eastes took to Twitter to share the difficult news, revealing that the company will be shutting down its office and laying off a substantial portion of its staff.
Impact on the Team and Future Projects
Founded in 2016, Toast Interactive has made a name for itself with popular titles such as Max Mustard and Richie’s Plank Experience. The Eastes expressed their sorrow over the decision, stating, “It’s a heartbreaking decision that we never wanted to make.” They emphasized the impact on their talented team, noting that “the majority of our talented staff have suffered redundancies,” and assured that the company would provide assistance to those affected during this transition.
The founders took a moment to reflect on the achievements of their team, stating, “We’re incredibly grateful and proud of everything the team has accomplished. So much talent and passion went into the creation of Max Mustard, and every single accolade speaks volumes.” Despite the challenges ahead, Toast Interactive plans to maintain a focus on enhancing their existing projects, indicating a commitment to continue improving both Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard with a more streamlined approach.
In their message, the Eastes extended their gratitude to everyone who has been part of the Toast journey, acknowledging the collective effort that has shaped the studio’s identity in the competitive VR market.
