industry challenges Archives

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Kirsten Dunst wants to be in ‘Minecraft 2’ so she can ‘make a movie…

Kirsten Dunst expressed interest in joining the cast of the sequel to “A Minecraft Movie” during an interview with Town & Country. The original film was the highest-grossing film domestically in 2025, as reported by Forbes. Dunst's two sons enjoyed the first installment, motivating her interest in the sequel. The film had been in development for 12 years, facing numerous challenges, according to De Luca, a key figure in the production. Jason Momoa, who starred in the original film, also expressed interest in returning for the sequel.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

7 years on, CliffyB is ‘still bitter’ about people gravedancing when his studio Boss Key failed: ‘It was amazing at first and then, well, it broke me for a good long while’

Cliff Bleszinski, a game designer known for his work at Epic Games and as the lead designer for the original Gears of War trilogy, founded Boss Key Productions, which launched the game LawBreakers in 2017. Despite innovative mechanics and unique characters, LawBreakers struggled in a competitive market dominated by games like Overwatch and PUBG, leading to its failure. Bleszinski reflected on the experience, expressing bitterness about the public's reaction to his studio's closure. He noted that shortly after LawBreakers' release, Epic Games introduced a new mode for Fortnite, further intensifying competition. Currently, Bleszinski prefers consulting over game development.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Almost 200 Overwatch staff unionise

Nearly 200 developers from the Overwatch series have formed a union called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union includes members from various departments such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. The unionization effort was motivated by layoffs in the gaming industry and aims to improve workplace conditions. Members believe collective action will help address long-standing issues like layoffs, excessive crunch periods, and inadequate working conditions in the gaming sector.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Bossa co-CEO Clough steps down

Daniel Clough, co-CEO of Bossa Studios, announced his departure from the company via LinkedIn. He joined Bossa in 2018 as general manager and became co-CEO in January 2021. His tenure included navigating challenges in the gaming industry, leading to a significant downsizing of the studio in preparation for the release of their upcoming title, Lost Skies. Clough noted that the studio's new size necessitated a restructuring. His departure is part of a broader leadership change, with several team members also leaving. Bossa recently implemented job cuts as part of ongoing adjustments to industry dynamics.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

NetEase-backed Anchor Point is fine, for now

Paul Ehreth, CEO of NetEase-backed Anchor Point Studios, stated that the studio has not been affected by the recent closures and layoffs in the gaming industry. He emphasized that Anchor Point Studios is committed to growth and is actively hiring. Ehreth noted that NetEase has been a supportive partner, allowing for creative control and development support. He expressed optimism about future projects and encouraged potential candidates to join the studio, highlighting its stability amid industry challenges.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Apple TV+ App to Be Offered for Android Devices

Apple TV+ will be available on Android devices starting February 12, marking the first time the app is accessible on Android platforms, specifically for devices running Android 10 or newer. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass through the app. Prior to this, the app was compatible with various devices, including Roku and smart TVs. Apple reported .12 billion in revenue from its services sector in the fourth quarter, a 14% increase year-over-year, and has surpassed 1 billion subscriptions. In October, Apple TV+ was added to Amazon Prime Video's subscription options in the U.S. The streaming industry is facing challenges such as consumer dissatisfaction and rising subscription costs.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Hi-Rez will only be giving ‘minor updates’ to Smite and Paladins now it’s laying off around 70 employees, but don’t worry, Smite 2 is the ‘primary focus of the newly streamlined operations’

Hi-Rez Studios has announced that while the servers for Smite, Paladins, and Rogue Company will remain operational, no major updates are planned for these games. The r/Smite subreddit is compiling a list of affected staff due to recent changes, and the studio has previously laid off employees to ensure long-term viability. Paladins has not received significant updates since the introduction of its last champion, Omen, in 2023. Hi-Rez President Stewart Chisam has expressed regret over layoffs and emphasized the studio's commitment to survival. The company plans to focus primarily on Smite 2 moving forward, but this decision has raised skepticism among industry observers regarding the sustainability of game development and the impact on existing teams.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

IllFonic is making job cuts

IllFonic, the studio behind Friday the 13th: The Game and Predator: Hunting Grounds, announced staff reductions due to challenges in the gaming industry. CEO Charles Brungardt attributed the decision to broader industry conditions and the struggles of their latest release, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, which has not maintained a strong player base. He expressed regret over the cuts and encouraged industry connections for displaced team members.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

2K’s California mocap studio files to unionise

Staff at 2K Games' motion capture studio in California have initiated steps to unionize, with 21 employees formally requesting voluntary recognition as a bargaining unit from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). However, parent company Take-Two has declined to recognize the union, leading the employees to file with the federal government for acknowledgment. IATSE's international VP, Michael Miller, emphasized the essential role these workers play in creating video games and expressed support for their unionization efforts. The employees and IATSE are preparing for an upcoming election and hope to engage in negotiations with Take-Two Interactive.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Until Dawn remake studio Ballistic Moon makes layoffs

Developer Ballistic Moon has confirmed layoffs as it prepares for the remake of Until Dawn, citing ongoing challenges in the gaming industry. The studio expressed regret over the decision and emphasized the need to scale down its workforce to ensure future viability while working on the PS5 and PC versions of the game. They acknowledged the contributions of the affected employees and expressed sorrow for the impact of the layoffs. Despite these challenges, Ballistic Moon remains committed to the successful launch of Until Dawn and is seeking new opportunities for collaboration.