job cuts Archives

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026

In 2026, the gaming industry is experiencing a push for unionization among developers, highlighted by a legal dispute involving Rockstar Games and former developers of GTA 6. The proposed billion-dollar acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) could reshape North American gaming, potentially leading to significant cuts and debt for EA. A healthier dialogue about the portrayal of sex in gaming is emerging amid a crackdown on adult-themed games. Microsoft faces job cuts and project cancellations while announcing record profits, raising ethical concerns about its partnerships and creative stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents challenges for developers, influencing future game narratives. Additionally, the generative AI boom is disrupting RAM availability and pricing, potentially increasing costs for gaming hardware.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Crystal Dynamics makes third round of layoffs this year

Developer Crystal Dynamics has reduced its workforce by "under 30" employees across various departments. This decision is part of a series of job cuts made throughout the year, with previous reductions occurring in August and March. The company is reorganizing its studios and teams to optimize the development of its flagship title, Tomb Raider, and to prepare for future projects. Crystal Dynamics expressed gratitude to the affected employees for their contributions and committed to providing support during the transition.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Sharkmob is making layoffs

Sharkmob, based in Malmo and owned by Tencent, is implementing job cuts as part of a strategic reorganization due to a challenging environment for game developers. The layoffs are described as "difficult but necessary" to focus on the continued development of Exoborne, a sci-fi extraction shooter that has not yet announced a release date. The studio recently conducted a public playtest for Exoborne to gather insights for its development. Additionally, Sharkmob closed its London studio earlier this year to streamline operations and concentrate resources on core projects.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

2K makes job cuts at Firaxis

2K Games has confirmed a staff reduction at Firaxis Games, the studio behind the Civilization series, although the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed. Reports indicate that dozens of employees may be involved. 2K has not filed a WARN notice in Maryland, where Firaxis is located. A representative stated that the layoffs are part of a restructuring to optimize development processes. The layoffs follow LinkedIn posts from former employees in various roles, and come after the launch of Civilization 7, which has experienced slow sales according to Take-Two Interactive's CEO.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Crystal Dynamics makes more layoffs

Crystal Dynamics announced another round of job cuts due to "evolving business conditions," with the exact number of affected employees undisclosed and no WARN notice filed. This is the second instance of workforce reductions this year, following 17 layoffs in March and ten in September 2023. The studio expressed gratitude to those impacted and committed to supporting them during the transition. They assured that the future of the Tomb Raider franchise remains secure despite these changes.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Atari to buy Thunderful, company undergoes another round of restructuring

Atari has entered an agreement to acquire the European firm Thunderful Group through a directed share issue valued at SEK 50 million, gaining control over 82 percent of Thunderful's outstanding shares, with Thunderful's board approving the transaction. CEO Wade Rosen highlighted the acquisition as a milestone for Atari's expansion in Europe, while Thunderful has initiated a restructuring operation aimed at achieving cost savings of SEK 6 to 8 million for the latter half of the 2025 financial year and SEK 40 to 45 million during 2026, which will involve job cuts. CEO Martin Walfisz will step down as part of this transition, marking the third round of restructuring for Thunderful in recent years.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Supermassive Games makes layoffs

British game developer Supermassive is undergoing a restructuring that will result in job cuts affecting approximately 36 employees. The studio is providing support to those impacted by the layoffs. Additionally, the release of their sci-fi horror title, Directive 8020, has been delayed to the first half of 2026. The development of Little Nightmares 3 will not be affected by this restructuring.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Codev giant Virtuos making layoffs

Virtuos is reducing its workforce by approximately seven percent, equating to around 300 positions. The layoffs will primarily impact its Asian operations, with 200 employees affected, 70 roles in Europe, and fewer than ten positions in France. The company aims to realign its global capabilities to enhance high-value co-development services. Virtuos will provide separation pay, job placement assistance, and opportunities for affected employees within its network. This decision reflects broader job cuts in the gaming industry, as seen with Microsoft's recent layoffs.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Xbox hit in yet another wave of Microsoft layoffs

Microsoft is implementing further layoffs, particularly in its Xbox division, affecting employees at King and ZeniMax, with a total reduction of over 9,000 positions, representing a four percent cut in its workforce. This is the fourth round of layoffs in Microsoft's gaming sector in 18 months. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, stated that these cuts are necessary to position gaming for future success and emphasized the importance of prioritizing strong opportunities while acknowledging the impact on affected employees.