11 bit studios
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Moonlighter 2 gets Nintendo Switch 2 release date, demo out today, new trailer
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is set to release on September 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a demo available today on the Nintendo eShop. The sequel introduces new weapons, armor, a new combat ability called the Bomb Path, and an expanded shop. Post-game content includes the Infinite Endless Vault challenge and a Hardcore mode.
New data suggests layoffs will affect 14,259 people by the end of 2026, up 78% from first forecast of the year
New data from the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker forecasts that job losses will reach 14,259 by the end of 2026, a significant increase from earlier projections. This trend indicates an acceleration in layoffs, with North America and Europe being the most affected regions. The projected numbers for 2026 are expected to surpass the total for 2024.
Comings and Goings
11 Bit Studios has laid off 20 employees as part of an adjustment to its new project teams. The company cited current needs as the reason for the workforce reduction.
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
11 Bit Studios has laid off approximately 20 employees as it restructures project teams to align with current needs. The studio stated that its financial situation remains stable and that the majority of affected employees have been transferred internally to other ongoing projects. This follows a previous workforce reduction earlier in 2024 after the cancellation of a project codenamed Project 8.
The Alters: Last Variable Released
11 bit studios has released "Last Variable," a new DLC for their science fiction survival game "The Alters." The expansion is now available for Windows PC on GOG.com and Steam.
The Alters: Last Variable Review – The Science of Self-Discovery
The Alters: Last Variable is a standalone sci-fi survival experience that continues the story of Jan Scientist after a specific ending in the base game. Players must manage resources, build a base, and interact with various "Alters" of Jan, each with distinct personalities and scientific specializations, to research a mysterious Oasis while surviving planetary hazards. While it doesn't drastically change the core gameplay loop of resource gathering and survival, the sharp writing and character dynamics make it a recommended campaign for fans of the original game.
The Alters and Frostpunk developer 11 Bit Studios is laying off 20 employees
11 Bit Studios, the developer behind The Alters and Frostpunk, has laid off 20 employees to align team structures with current project phases. The company stated that most affected employees were offered internal transfers, and those leaving will receive support. This follows previous layoffs in 2024 and late 2023, despite the Frostpunk franchise surpassing 11 million players and Frostpunk 2 nearing 600,000 sales.
Free Play Days – MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed for free from July 9 to July 12. Players can continue their progress and keep achievements if they purchase the games at a discounted price during the event.
Tune In Tonight to See The Indie Premier Crown Its First-Ever Champions
The Indie Premier, in partnership with Mega Cat Studios and Unity PGH, will host its first-ever Award Ceremony tonight, July 7, 2026, at 7 PM ET on YouTube. The event will crown winners across four categories: Grand Indie Champ, Gameplay Mastery, Visual Virtuoso, and Master Mix Award, recognizing excellence in indie game development.
The Alters: Last Variable Launches July 13th
The expansion 'The Alters: Last Variable' for the survival game 'The Alters' will launch on July 23rd, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This twenty-hour expansion, developed by 11 bit studios, introduces new story elements focusing on Jan Scientist's clones, terraforming mechanics, and escalating planetary threats.
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Chris Chung joins Neowiz as head of global business group
Several key personnel changes have occurred across the gaming industry. Chris Chung joins Neowiz as head of global business group, Dylan Beale is the new studio head at Larian Guildford, and Jonnie Bryant becomes communications director at Team17. Other notable moves include Robert Henrysson stepping down as CEO of Supermassive Games and Nicholas Penwarden departing Epic Games after 15 years.
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Robert Henrysson steps down as Supermassive Games CEO
Several key personnel changes have occurred in the gaming industry. Robert Henrysson has stepped down as CEO of Supermassive Games and partner at Nordisk Games. Christopher Serra joins Paramount Games as VP of business development and licensing, while Alexis Bonte departs as CEO of Stillfront. Nicholas Penwarden also leaves Epic Games after 15 years.
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie
This article rounds up recent hires and departures within the games industry for July 2026. Notable moves include Joe Ziegler leaving Bungie's Marathon team, Chris Chung joining Neowiz, and Robert Henrysson stepping down as CEO of Supermassive Games. Several other companies announced new appointments across marketing, production, and business development roles.
The Alters: Last Variable Trailer Showcases The Many Possibilities for Jan Scientist’s New Mission
11 bit studios has released a trailer for The Alters: Last Variable, the first story DLC for The Alters, focusing on Jan Scientist's mission after one of the base game's endings. The DLC, arriving July 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, promises a 20-hour standalone experience where players manage various 'Alters' of Jan to research the Oasis and its resource, Rapidium.
Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust Released
11 bit studios has released Breach of Trust, a new DLC for Frostpunk 2, on Steam for Windows and macOS. The DLC adds new content to the post-apocalyptic survival game set on a frozen Earth.
Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust Adds A New City To Save – Or Lose
The Breach of Trust expansion for Frostpunk 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This new scenario introduces the city of New Edinburgh, facing political instability and a looming volcanic disaster. The DLC adds new mechanics, laws, buildings, and a Vote of Trust system to challenge players' leadership.
Palworld lead on generative AI: Gamers don't want it
Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, does not use generative AI in its games because players do not want it, according to communications director John Buckley. He stated that while some companies may use AI to save time, its prominence in the industry may not last. Buckley also noted that some developers are proactively clarifying their games are human-made, which he finds a concerning trend.
Frostpunk 2 Breach of Trust Expansion Launches June 23 Across PC and Consoles | Invision Game Community
11 bit studios announced that Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust, the game's second major expansion, will launch on June 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The DLC introduces a new scenario set in New Edinburgh, focusing on political and social crises, trust, and survival with new mechanics like Votes of Trust and environmental threats.
"There's nothing worse than an AI-generated pitch": Bloober, Jagex, 11 bit and indie devs on the bruising hurdle of funding a videogame prototype
Independent game developers face significant hurdles in securing funding for prototypes, with many publishers requiring playable builds before committing to a project. Companies like Bloober Team, Jagex, and 11 bit studios acknowledge the necessity of prototypes but express concerns about the increasing reliance on generative AI for their creation. While AI tools can boost productivity, publishers are wary of AI-generated pitches, as they offer less proof of a team's genuine capabilities and artistic vision, leading to a more risk-averse industry.
Before Darkness Falls is an Aliens: Dark Descent-style tactics game from former Frostpunk devs, and I did enjoy dying in its depths
Before Darkness Falls is a tactical survival game from Maverick Souls Studio, featuring developers who previously worked on Dying Light 2 and Frostpunk 2. The game presents a grim industrial compound setting where players manage resources and lead squads into dangerous sectors to combat monstrous creatures, drawing comparisons to Aliens: Dark Descent.
