job cuts Archives

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Liquid Swords latest NetEase-backed studio to lay off staff

Sweden's Liquid Swords is reducing its workforce due to challenges in the gaming industry, as stated by CEO Christofer Sundberg. The studio, founded in 2020 and backed by NetEase, has not disclosed the number of layoffs but expressed regret over the impact on employees. Sundberg noted that shifting market conditions have hindered the studio's ability to meet its success timeline, leading to the difficult decision to part ways with talented individuals. Liquid Swords is part of a trend among NetEase-backed ventures facing similar struggles, including Worlds Untold and Jar of Sparks, highlighting the volatility in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Report: Unity makes further layoffs

Unity is planning another round of layoffs, as communicated by CEO Matthew Bromberg via email. The Chief Technology Officer and teams focused on Engine Product and Ads will be affected, although the exact number of layoffs is not specified. The layoffs are attributed to an overwhelming workload on the engine team and the need for restructuring following Unity's merger with Ironsource, which requires consolidating advertising teams into the Runtime business. Unity will provide support to impacted employees, including access to mental health benefits through Lyra.

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 17, 2024

French union calls for Don’t Nod strike following proposed layoffs

The Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) has called for a strike at the Paris-based developer Don't Nod due to proposed layoffs affecting 69 employees. The union alleges that the studio's leadership is using the economic climate as a pretext for job cuts and emphasizes the need to protect employees' rights. Don't Nod has cited deteriorating financial results as the reason for the layoffs and is implementing a reorganisation plan to maintain competitiveness. The company has begun discussions with employee representative bodies to provide transparency regarding the proposed changes.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

Bandai Namco makes job cuts

Bandai Namco has cut approximately 200 employees from its games division, transitioning them to 'oidashi beya' or 'expulsion rooms,' which are used to encourage resignations. The company denies the existence of such practices, stating that workforce reductions are based on evaluations of current circumstances. This reduction represents about 15 percent of the company's total headcount of 1,300. The cuts follow the successful launch of the Dragon Ball game, Sparking Zero.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Cryptic Studios reportedly makes further cuts

Cryptic Studios is experiencing another round of layoffs, with several employees announcing their departure on LinkedIn, effective after October 31st. The exact number of affected staff is unconfirmed. This follows a previous round of layoffs in November 2023, part of challenges faced by the Embracer Group. Departing employees, including character artist Amelia March and senior artist Mauricio Tejerina, expressed their sentiments about leaving the company and their hope for future opportunities.

AppWizard

July 3, 2024

Tales of Kenzera: Zau maker Surgent Studios is laying off staff

UK developer Surgent Studios has announced job cuts, laying off "just over a dozen people" following reports on LinkedIn about staff reductions. Despite the layoffs, the company expressed pride in the team's work on Zau and their focus remains on supporting those affected, continuing work on Zau, and planning for future creative projects.

AppWizard

July 1, 2024

Ubisoft makes layoffs in Toronto

Ubisoft Toronto is making layoffs, with 33 staff members losing their jobs in a targeted realignment to ensure the company can deliver on its ambitious roadmap. The studio is currently focused on the Splinter Cell remake and helping with the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

AppWizard

June 28, 2024

Report: Perfect World is laying over 1k staff off

Chinese games firm Perfect World has cut over 1,000 jobs, affecting nearly every department except for esports. The future of projects in development is uncertain, with conflicting reports on whether they are progressing or on hold.