Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Sony shutters Bluepoint Games
Sony is shutting down Bluepoint Games, a studio known for remakes of Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus, along with co-development on God of War Ragnarok. The closure will result in approximately 70 layoffs. A Sony spokesperson confirmed the decision, citing a recent business review, and thanked the team for their contributions.
Ubisoft Toronto lays off 40 employees as part of major restructuring
Ubisoft Toronto has laid off 40 employees as part of a larger restructuring and cost-saving plan announced by the company. A Ubisoft spokesperson confirmed the news, stating that the decision was difficult and that support would be provided to affected employees. Development on the Splinter Cell remake is reportedly ongoing.
Report: NetEase is cutting jobs at internal studio Spliced Inc
NetEase-owned studio Spliced Inc is reportedly undergoing a redundancy process, with multiple employees indicating their roles are at risk. Spliced Inc was established in 2023 by NetEase with a focus on an anti-crunch, remote-first approach and comprised senior staff from various major game franchises. This follows a trend of NetEase downsizing its internal studios, particularly those in the west.
Starbreeze revenue rises 19% to $24.5m in 2025
Starbreeze Entertainment reported a 19% increase in revenue for 2025, reaching SEK 221 million ($24.5 million), though the company continued to incur net losses. While Payday 2 saw significant revenue growth, Payday 3's revenue declined. The company is also taking steps to adapt its cost base, following reports of layoffs.
Global game content sales rose 5.3% to $195.6bn in 2025
Global video game content sales reached $195.6 billion in 2025, a 5.3% increase, despite a significant 55% drop in private funding. The industry also saw a 40% reduction in layoffs compared to the previous year, though outsourcing for development work increased. Roblox emerged as a major growth driver, surpassing console and PC platforms in daily active users and engagement hours.
Ubisoft Q3 net bookings rise 12% to €338m, primarily driven by Assassin's Creed franchise
Ubisoft reported a 12% year-on-year increase in Q3 net bookings to €338 million, exceeding its guidance, largely driven by the Assassin's Creed franchise and strong back-catalogue sales. The company also announced restructuring plans, including workforce reductions, and completed Tencent's investment in its Vantage Studios.
Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment confirms layoffs, "most of the team" depart following troubled launch
Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the free-to-play shooter Highguard, has confirmed layoffs, with a core group of developers remaining to support the game. Former employees indicate that most of the team was let go following the game's troubled launch and mixed reception. CEO Dusty Welch acknowledged that the marketing and reveal trailer could have better represented the game's unique mechanics.
Riot Games downsizes 2XKO team, about 80 employees affected
Riot Games has downsized the development team for its free-to-play fighting game 2XKO, affecting approximately 80 employees. Executive producer Tom Cannon stated the decision was made because the game has not reached a level of player engagement to support the current team size long-term. The company is providing affected workers with support and severance packages.
