Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
Former employees sue over Meta's alleged use of biased AI systems during layoffs
Former Meta employees are suing the company, alleging that biased AI systems were used to determine who would be laid off. Meta cut its workforce by 10 percent in May, and the lawsuit claims the AI used was discriminatory.
"How Ubisoft and Embracer leadership aren't in prison absolutely eludes me": Helldivers 2 studio QA manager laments "darkest timeline" as layoffs hurt thousands
Arrowhead Game Studios QA manager Dave Gallacher criticizes the current state of the video game industry, highlighting massive layoffs at companies like Xbox, Ubisoft, and Embracer Group. He expresses frustration with corporate greed and the perceived misuse of funds, particularly concerning the rise of AI in game development. Gallacher laments the "darkest timeline" for developers, while acknowledging his own complex feelings about the industry despite the ongoing turmoil.
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
The article draws parallels between Hollywood's historical consolidation and the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting the risks of fewer companies controlling more assets. It discusses the potential negative impacts of mergers, such as layoffs and reduced creative diversity, using examples like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. California's lawsuit to block the latter merger is presented as a potential regulatory intervention.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 572: A punch to Elder Scrolls Online’s gut
The Massively OP Podcast episode 572 discusses significant layoffs at ZeniMax Studios impacting The Elder Scrolls Online. Other topics include EverQuest Legends' paid beta, Aion 2's business model, Tencent's acquisition of the PlanetSide IP, and Fiesta Online's upcoming console release.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced crosses 2 million in sales as studio strikes over proposed layoffs
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced achieved over two million sales on its release day, with a peak of 99,451 concurrent players on Steam. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona, which reportedly handled the game's water technology, is striking over proposed layoffs of 51 workers. Ubisoft stated the layoffs are part of a broader cost-reduction effort and a strategic shift to focus the Barcelona studio on Rainbow Six projects.
Studio founded by former Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes GM lays off staff
Azra Games, a studio founded by former EA executive Mark Otero, has laid off an unspecified number of employees less than two years after raising $42 million in investment. The studio stated the staffing reduction is a shift from a production phase to optimization and polish for its upcoming game, UnGodly. This news follows reports of other studios, including 11 Bit Studios, also undergoing layoffs.
Comings and Goings
Ubisoft Barcelona, a development studio that worked on Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, has gone on strike. The employees are protesting recent layoffs within the company. This action highlights ongoing labor disputes in the video game industry.
Ubisoft Barcelona devs strike over layoffs following Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launch
Developers at Ubisoft Barcelona are staging a three-day strike to protest the layoff of 51 employees, which occurred shortly after the successful launch of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The striking workers, in collaboration with the CSVI union, are demanding the cancellation of layoffs, stronger job security, the reinstatement of remote work policies, and promised salary increases.
Spin Master lays off Paw Patrol: The Game devs two days after launch
Spin Master, the company behind Paw Patrol, laid off the entire studio of its subsidiary Originator Inc. just two days after the launch of Paw Patrol: The Game. The company stated that Originator's products and operations would be transitioned to the Sago Mini Team in Toronto. This decision comes five years after Spin Master acquired Originator Inc. for $29 million.
"Ubisoft thinks that's what we deserve": Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's release followed by union strike over Ubisoft Barcelona layoffs
Following the release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft Barcelona is facing a union-organized strike and protests over plans to lay off 51 staff. The union is demanding the cancellation of layoffs, job security guarantees, a return to remote work policies, and promised promotions and pay rises. Developers expressed frustration over the situation, with some highlighting their contributions to the remake before facing redundancy.
Xbox fans use its own feedback forum to call out Microsoft’s business and layoff decisions
Xbox gamers are voicing their strong disapproval of Microsoft's recent business decisions and significant layoffs through the platform's official feedback forums. A popular thread criticizes the dismissal of thousands of workers, the closure of studios, and the cancellation of games, proposing a reset that includes revoking ambitious player count goals and re-evaluating executive bonuses.
Users flock to Xbox Player Voice portal to ask for an end to cycle of layoffs
Following recent layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, users are flocking to the Xbox Player Voice portal to express their frustration. The top trending thread calls for an end to studio closures and layoffs, with users citing leadership failures and corporate greed. Former id Software developer Johnmichael Quinlan also shared his experience of being laid off despite successful project delivery.
As Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's underwater levels draw praise, dev says those responsible are "being fired right now because Ubisoft thinks that's what we deserve"
A developer from Ubisoft Barcelona has spoken out against the studio's planned layoffs, highlighting the critical success of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which featured praised underwater levels developed by the very team facing termination. The developers are striking to protest the decision and demand job security, while Ubisoft plans for a quiet period before a more active release schedule.
'The company has turned its back on us': Black Flag Resynced developers at Ubisoft Barcelona are being laid off instead of celebrating the series' latest hit
Despite the success of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which sold two million copies and broke series player records on Steam, Ubisoft is laying off 51 developers at its Barcelona studio. This decision has led to frustration among employees and a three-day strike called by the Spanish union La Confederación General del Trabajo, protesting the company's 'strategic shift' and perceived betrayal of its dedicated staff.
id Software producer says 'you'll never get another WoW or Morrowind in the current climate' in the wake…
id Software producer Andrew Willis believes the current climate prevents the creation of long-lasting franchises like World of Warcraft or Morrowind, attributing this to large publishers and a lack of understanding from executives. He advocates for developer-owned studios as the path forward for sustainable growth and artistic integrity in the gaming industry, contrasting this with Xbox's stated goals of returning to growth through further layoffs.
Days after leaving Xbox, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games broadcasts that it's looking for work
Following its separation from Microsoft's Xbox division due to layoffs, Compulsion Games is actively seeking new collaboration opportunities with other studios. The developer of South of Midnight and We Happy Few aims to leverage its award-winning talent to support external projects while retaining ownership of its existing IPs.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Developers in Barcelona Are Being Laid Off as Ubisoft Celebrates Game's Success
Ubisoft Barcelona developers who worked on Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag are reportedly being laid off, despite the game's commercial success selling 2 million copies shortly after launch. This news comes as the company celebrates the game's achievements.
South of Midnight Developer is Looking for Studios to Collaborate With
Compulsion Games, now an independent studio after being released from Xbox, is seeking collaboration partners for its next project. The studio, which developed the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning game South of Midnight, aims to leverage its talent and expertise while securing funding. This announcement follows recent layoffs at Xbox and the independent transitions of other former Xbox studios like Undead Labs, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory.
“Losing Key Talents and Skills” is a Major Risk, Says Ubisoft Amidst Layoffs
Ubisoft has acknowledged the significant risk of losing key talent and skills amidst ongoing layoffs, as detailed in its annual financial report. The company is implementing succession plans and retention strategies for critical roles to mitigate the impact of departures in a competitive industry. Additionally, Ubisoft is partnering with colleges to improve recruitment and is addressing the challenges of releasing games too early or too late.
After "incomprehensible" Xbox layoffs, id Software producer says worker-owned studios are "the only path…
id Software producer Andrew Willis criticized Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs, calling them an "incomprehensible decision" and suggesting that worker-owned studios are the only viable path forward for the game industry. Willis, who was involved in id Software's unionization efforts, believes that large publishers have proven to be poor stewards of the industry and that value should be owned by those who create it.
