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Overwatch GM Kong steps up to new head of development, live games/mobile role
AppWizard
September 9, 2025

Overwatch GM Kong steps up to new head of development, live games/mobile role

Walter Kong has been promoted to senior vice president and head of development for live games and mobile platforms at Blizzard Entertainment. He joined Blizzard in 2011 as senior director for strategic initiatives, left for Epic Games in 2018, and returned in 2020 as an executive producer before becoming general manager for Overwatch. In his new role, he will oversee the strategic direction of Overwatch and other titles like Hearthstone and Diablo Immortal, although Blizzard has stopped developing new content for Warcraft Rumble and reduced staff in that area. Kong expressed gratitude for his opportunities at Blizzard and is committed to fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
Everything that grinds our gears about PC gaming in 2025
AppWizard
August 4, 2025

Everything that grinds our gears about PC gaming in 2025

Users often experience frustration when a user interface (UI) shifts unexpectedly as they attempt to click a button, leading to unintended actions. The tech industry struggles to establish a sustainable business model despite advancements toward artificial superintelligence, resulting in cycles of rapid growth followed by staff reductions. A week-long initiative is planned to address various grievances related to user experience and industry practices, with updates and articles provided throughout the week.
Devolver lays off 40% of Nerial workforce
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.
Once promising developer Tequila Works is auctioning off the rights to its games, including 4 still in development
AppWizard
April 20, 2025

Once promising developer Tequila Works is auctioning off the rights to its games, including 4 still in development

Tequila Works, a Spanish game studio founded in 2009, has declared insolvency following staff reductions and the cancellation of an unannounced project. The studio's intangible assets, including notable video game intellectual properties like Rime and Gylt, are currently up for auction on the European platform Escrapalia, with bids ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 euros. General manager Térence Mosca stated that prolonged market conditions forced the company into this situation.
IllFonic is making job cuts
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.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau maker Surgent Studios is laying off staff
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.
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