Game Industry Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Game Industry Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Japanese companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are healthier because they have smaller teams, don't have frequent layoffs, and don't pay executives $30 million, says expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are more stable due to smaller teams, fewer layoffs, and more reasonable executive salaries compared to their Western counterparts. While global layoffs are projected to reach over 57,000 between 2022 and 2026, the majority of these events and affected workers are concentrated in North America and Europe, with California being particularly hard-hit.
The Big Picture: What you need to know about the ongoing games industry reset
Amir Satvat, formerly of Tencent and now with 1Up Ventures, delivered a keynote at Gamescom Dev outlining a significant reset in the games industry. He highlighted a projected 14,666 layoffs in 2026, a geographic shift of jobs away from North America, and revenue concentration among top titles, while noting the overall industry employment remains relatively stable. Satvat also discussed challenges like discoverability, AI uncertainty, a decline in entry-level roles, and the increasing importance of networking and community engagement.
An itch.io bundle is raising money for laid off game workers
The United Videogame Workers union, in partnership with Necrosoft Games, has launched a charity bundle on itch.io featuring 127 games to raise funds for laid-off game industry workers. The bundle, which requires a minimum $10 purchase, has already raised over $150,000. Union president Aurelia Augusta highlighted the solidarity shown by the response and emphasized that the funds are intended for individual developers facing hardship, not companies.
Indie Game Bundle Aiding Laid-Off Developers Is Nearing $200,000 Raised
A Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io, created by Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and the United Videogame Workers, has raised nearly $200,000 to assist laid-off developers with living expenses. The bundle features 127 games, including titles like Skatebird and A Short Hike, with all proceeds going to affected individuals in the US and Canada. This initiative comes in response to widespread layoffs within the industry, with funds being distributed by the union.
Devs raise $130,000 in just five days to support laid-off peers
A charity bundle organized by Necrosoft Games has raised over $130,000 in five days to support game developers who have been laid off. The bundle, featuring over 100 games, surpassed its initial goal and is now aiming for $200,000. Funds are distributed by the United Videogame Workers union to provide financial assistance to affected workers.
Indie game bundle saving buyers over $1,000 in support of laid off developers has raised over $100,000 in three days
An indie game bundle on itch.io, created to support developers affected by recent layoffs, has raised over $100,000 in three days. The bundle offers 127 games valued at over $1,000 for a minimum price of $10, with proceeds going to the CWA's Game Industry hardship fund for North American developers.
Indies devs band together for 100-game, $10 bundle aiming to help an "unprecedented number" of laid off…
Indie game developers have launched a $10 bundle featuring over 100 games and assets to support developers affected by recent layoffs. Spearheaded by Necrosoft Games, all proceeds, minus processing fees, will go to a Game Industry Hardship Fund managed by United Videogame Workers. The bundle includes titles like A Short Hike and Arranger, with funds intended to help laid-off developers with essential living expenses.
After half a decade of job losses, there is no “business as usual” | Opinion
The article analyzes the persistent game industry layoffs over the past five years, highlighting the destruction of talent and the failure of current business models. It suggests that the industry's reliance on instability and contractor exploitation is unsustainable for both employees and studios, proposing a shift towards more stable, indie-inspired development and prototyping models.
Xbox Game Pass isn’t "viable" with so few subscribers, says former Forza lead bracing for more…
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass is not viable due to insufficient subscriber numbers, leading to recent studio layoffs. He believes the service's player-focused concept, while well-intentioned, has not met the necessary financial targets. Journalist Jason Schreier also noted that some Xbox studio leadership detest Game Pass, viewing it as detrimental to game value and the industry.
Satoru Iwata admitted that “employees who fear that they may be laid off” never produce the same results
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated in 2013 that employees who fear layoffs do not produce optimal results, a sentiment relevant to today's volatile games industry marked by high costs and mass layoffs. He made these comments when the Nintendo 3DS initially underperformed.
After laying off thousands, Ubisoft says losing "key talents and skills" is a big danger for the company
Ubisoft's latest annual report identifies the loss of key talent and skills, as well as a lack of attractiveness to new talent, as significant risks for the company. This comes amid broader industry layoffs and Ubisoft's own restructuring, which has seen thousands of jobs cut. The company is implementing succession plans and retention policies to mitigate these risks.
Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: 'There’s really no one left and no…
A former content designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Andrew Young, expressed anger and sadness over recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, which reportedly cut the team in half. Young lamented the loss of dedicated staff and the impact on the game's future development, noting that key figures like game director Matt Firor had previously departed due to earlier Microsoft layoffs. Community manager Jessica Folsom confirmed that roadmaps would be shifting due to the cuts.
Games Inbox: Is the Xbox doomed to failure?
Readers express concerns about the future of Xbox, citing recent studio closures and a reliance on aging franchises like Halo and Gears of War. The discussion also touches on the shift towards digital-only games, the impact on game preservation, and the potential for companies like Sony to influence Kickstarter campaigns.
Comings and Goings
Following recent layoffs at Xbox, Double Fine and Compulsion Games have confirmed their studio statuses and ability to retain franchises like Psychonauts. A union has also launched a hardship fund to support laid-off developers.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
Former Elder Scrolls Online boss describes Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin closing as a turning point at Xbox: 'I…
Matt Firor, founder of ZeniMax Online Studios, described the closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin as a significant turning point for Xbox, leading developers to fear further layoffs. Firor, who also experienced the cancellation of his game Project Blackbird, views these events as part of a larger industry-wide trend of boom and bust cycles, a sentiment echoed by industry veteran Brenda Romero.
Iron Galaxy Studios Announces Layoffs, Potentially Affecting 90 Employees
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced a new round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 90 employees, as the company adjusts to current industry conditions. This follows a previous layoff of 66 employees last year. The studio cited changing player consumption habits and publisher investment criteria as reasons for the difficult decision.
Deus Ex game studio Eidos Montreal cuts 124 jobs
Eidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees due to changing project needs, with studio head David Anfossi also departing. The studio, owned by Embracer Group, has worked on titles like Deus Ex and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. This follows a period of significant restructuring for Embracer Group.
Epic Games is laying off more than 1,000 employees just weeks after raising Fortnite V-Buck prices 'to help pay the…
Epic Games is laying off over 1,000 employees, citing a downturn in Fortnite engagement and broader economic factors. CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the decision in a memo to staff, attributing the cuts to spending significantly more than the company is earning. This news follows a recent increase in Fortnite's V-Bucks prices.
Yet More Crystal Dynamics Layoffs Announced as 20 Employees Lose Their Jobs
Crystal Dynamics has announced another round of layoffs, with 20 employees being let go from development and central operations roles. The studio stated it will provide severance and job placement assistance. Despite these departures, Crystal Dynamics remains committed to its upcoming Tomb Raider titles, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
