layoffs Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sega sells Amplitude Studios

Sega has divested from Amplitude Studios, confirmed in their financial report for the six months ending September 30th. Amplitude Studios underwent a management buyout, regaining independence after being acquired by Sega in 2016. Sega reported an extraordinary loss of approximately ¥5.9 billion (.7 million) for the second quarter due to this divestiture, part of a broader restructuring that included layoffs at Creative Assembly and the separation from Canadian developer Relic. For the six months ending September 30th, 2024, Sega reported a 4.5 percent decline in net sales to ¥211.7 billion (.4 billion) and an 18.1 percent decrease in operating income to ¥32.8 billion (4.9 million). Amplitude Studios expressed enthusiasm about their independence and commitment to their core values of creativity, innovation, and community collaboration.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Radical Forge secures $3.4m in funding

Radical Forge has secured an investment of £2.6 million from Mercia Ventures' Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, which will help create 15 new positions at their Middlesbrough studio and support the release of their game, Southfield, in early 2025. The investment follows earlier layoffs at the company. CEO Bruce Slater expressed enthusiasm about the funding and partnership with Mercia, while Chris McCourt from Mercia highlighted the potential for Radical Forge to attract talent and undertake larger projects amid industry downsizing.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

ProbablyMonsters lays off Battle Barge staff

ProbablyMonsters has laid off approximately 50 employees from its BattleBarge team as part of a strategic realignment to support smaller teams and projects. The company, founded in 2019 by Harold Ryan, aims to adapt to the evolving needs of players and the market. Firewalk, one of its notable studios, was acquired by PlayStation in 2023 but has since closed following the poor performance of its game, Concord.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Nightingale firm Inflexion lays off staff

Inflexion Games has laid off at least 22 employees as part of a restructuring effort due to broader trends affecting the gaming industry. The company stated that the decision was made to ensure long-term sustainability. Nightingale, the studio's fantasy survival game, has not met expected commercial success since its Early Access launch in February, receiving Mixed reviews on Steam, although recent feedback has improved to Very Positive. Inflexion Games, founded in 2018 and acquired by Tencent, is committed to assisting affected employees during this transition.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Despite making significant changes to survival game Nightingale, developer Inflexion Games says it hasn’t been ‘commercially successful enough’ to avoid ‘dozens’ of layoffs

Inflexion Games has announced a restructuring that includes layoffs and the closure of its UK studio due to the poor commercial performance of their game, Nightingale, which has struggled with low player counts since its early access launch. CEO Aaryn Flynn stated that the company had to reduce its workforce after exhausting all options. While the exact number of layoffs is undisclosed, it is indicated that "dozens" of employees were affected. Nightingale faced challenges such as server issues and a mixed user rating on Steam, leading to a pivot in development strategies. Despite some temporary increases in player numbers from updates, the overall performance did not meet expectations. Inflexion has reassured fans that development will continue and future plans will be shared.

AppWizard

October 29, 2024

Tencent pushes back on games layoff reports

Tencent has denied rumors of layoffs within its gaming division, stating that no restructuring efforts are underway and that the Timi Studio Group is actively hiring. The company refuted reports suggesting a reduction in workforce and consolidation of its 13 development studios into four. However, there have been leadership changes within the Interactive Entertainment Group, including the amicable departure of Vice President Zeng Yu and ten other management transitions, including Huang Lanxiao stepping down as General Manager of Timi's Level 1 studio.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Bungie Creative Studios moves to PlayStation

The Creative Studios team from Bungie is transitioning to operate under PlayStation Studios. This shift was announced by Bridget O'Neill, the former creative director, who stated it will support Sony Interactive Entertainment's ambitions in live-service gaming. O'Neill expressed excitement about collaborating with other studios on live service games, while acknowledging the unique challenges they present. PlayStation acquired Bungie in July 2022 for .67 billion, and the studio has faced challenges, including layoffs, with reports suggesting that Sony may take more control if financial targets are not met.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Hi-Rez closes two titles following layoffs

Hi-Rez Studios has announced the closure of two games, Divine Knockout and Realm Royale Reforged, which will be shut down on February 17th, 2025. Following this announcement, the company recently experienced layoffs, which CEO Stewart Chisam described as a "heartbreaking decision" that reflects a failure in his leadership. He acknowledged the impact on employees and expressed gratitude for their contributions.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Coming To PC In 2025, Leaked DLC Is Cancelled – Gameranx

Insomniac's community manager, Aaron Jason Espinoza, confirmed the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for PC on January 30, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Game Store. Two editions will be offered: the Standard Edition, which includes all free updates from the PlayStation 5, and the Digital Deluxe Edition, which features early unlocks, five extra skill points, enhanced photo mode features, and five exclusive suits. There will be no additional story content for the PC version, but previously released post-launch content, including New Game+ and new suits, will be included. Insomniac recently experienced a ransomware attack that compromised sensitive information, leading to the cancellation of a previously leaked DLC roadmap. The game had a budget of 5 million and sold over 11 million units by April 2024, including 2.5 million units in the first 24 hours. Insomniac has also faced layoffs, which were leaked before official announcements.

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.