restructuring Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome are back on Steam after being delisted 4 months ago when 2K sold off Private Division

Roll7's skateboarding titles, Rollerdrome and OlliOlli World, returned to Steam four months after being removed in February, a move speculated to be linked to issues with Private Division, a Take-Two Interactive label. In November 2024, Take-Two confirmed the closure of Roll7 and Intercept Games, while Private Division was sold off, with neither game included in the sale, allowing them to become independent titles under a new publishing arrangement. OlliOlli World received an 87% review score, and Rollerdrome received a 94% score, both highlighting their quality and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Embracer Group sees net sales across PC/console and mobile games fall in FY2024/25

Embracer Group's financial results for Q4 ending March 2025 show a decline in net sales to SEK 5.4 billion, down 6% year-on-year. The PC/console segment generated SEK 3 billion (down 2%), while mobile sales were SEK 943 million (down 31%). For the full fiscal year, net sales totaled SEK 22.3 billion, down 18%, with PC/console games at SEK 1.5 billion (down 27%) and mobile at SEK 5.3 billion (down 9%). The total number of game development projects decreased from 141 to 108, and headcount was reduced from 9,692 to 7,180, including 5,378 game developers. Despite these declines, the game Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 sold three million copies. Embracer reported organic growth of 30% in mobile game sales and 22% in PC/console sales. The company plans to release 76 games in FY 2025/26, including notable titles like Killing Floor 3 and Marvel 1943: Rise of the Hydra. A third AAA game has been postponed to 2026/27, and THQ Nordic's studio Campfire Cabal has resumed operations after a closure in 2023.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Warner Bros reports 48% dip in games revenue for Q1

Warner Bros reported a 48% decline in revenue in its games division for the quarter ending March 31st, attributed to the underperformance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and the lack of new titles in the first quarter of 2025. Existing titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1 provided some revenue support. The company achieved a 66% reduction in overhead costs year-on-year but still faced a 53% drop in revenue for 2024. Warner Bros has closed three studios, including Monolith, and the head of interactive entertainment, David Haddad, departed in early 2025.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Devolver lays off 40% of Nerial workforce

Indie publisher Devolver Digital has reduced its workforce at Nerial, the studio behind the Reigns series, by 40 percent as part of a strategic response to challenges with recent releases. Nerial currently has 13 employees listed on LinkedIn, though it is unclear if this reflects pre- or post-layoff numbers. The Reigns franchise has generated over a million in revenue. Additionally, Polish developer Artificer has seen a workforce reduction exceeding 50 percent, and other Devolver labels, such as Good Shepherd and Big Fan, have also experienced layoffs affecting more than half of their staff in 2024. Overall, Devolver has reduced its workforce by over 30 employees between 2023 and 2024. Cult of the Lamb has generated over a million in lifetime revenue, Astroneer has surpassed the million mark, and the Gungeon series has earned over a million and sold more than five million copies. Devolver's average expenditure on third-party titles is projected to decline from approximately .99 million in 2022 to .73 million in 2025 and further to .04 million in 2026.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Ubisoft has closed its Leamington studio

Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Leamington studio, expressing gratitude towards its developers. The studio officially closed its doors after many years of operation, with a small number of workers continuing through remote contracts. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort within Ubisoft, which has resulted in the layoff of 185 employees across various departments. Ubisoft acquired the Leamington studio in 2017; it was originally founded in 2002 as FreeStyle Games.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

PlaySide is making layoffs

PlaySide Studios, an Australian game developer, is reducing its workforce as part of an operational restructuring due to challenges in securing new work-for-hire projects. The layoffs will primarily affect work-for-hire and non-project specific personnel, with an undisclosed number of positions being cut. The restructuring is expected to save between AUD 4 million and AUD 5 million annually, but will incur a one-time cost of AUD 1.5 million. Ongoing projects, such as Mouse: PI for Hire, will not be impacted. The company plans to provide outplacement support and counseling services to affected employees. CEO Been Skender emphasized the need for resilience in the business model while acknowledging the difficulties faced by staff.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

An unannounced Hogwarts Legacy expansion and ‘definitive edition’ have reportedly been cancelled

Warner Bros. Games has canceled plans for an expansion and a "Definitive Edition" release of Hogwarts Legacy as part of its restructuring efforts. The cancellation was influenced by a cost-benefit analysis that deemed the financial investment unjustifiable. This decision follows substantial financial losses from other Warner titles, leading to studio closures and the cancellation of a Wonder Woman game. David Haddad, the chief of Warner Bros. Games, resigned prior to these closures. Despite the success of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023 and the company's commitment to the Harry Potter franchise, the cancellation of the expansion has raised questions. A sequel to Hogwarts Legacy remains a priority for Warner.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Crystal Dynamics cuts 17 jobs

Crystal Dynamics announced a workforce reduction of 17 employees as part of a strategic move to align with evolving business needs. The studio is developing a new Tomb Raider installment to be published by Amazon and is involved in reviving the Perfect Dark franchise with Microsoft's The Initiative studios. The company is providing transition packages and outreach opportunities for affected employees. Crystal Dynamics stated that the layoffs do not reflect the dedication or capabilities of those impacted and assured stakeholders that project timelines and objectives will not be affected.

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.