Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Star Wars Zero Company dev stopped paying staff weeks before launch
Developer Bit Reactor placed 80% of its staff on mandatory unpaid leave weeks before the launch of Star Wars Zero Company due to financial difficulties. While the game is performing well on Steam, the studio's future and ability to rehire furloughed employees remain uncertain, especially given Electronic Arts' recent financial restructuring.
Star Wars Zero Company studio furloughed staff before the game was released
Most of Bit Reactor, the studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, was furloughed before the game's release, with reports indicating up to 80% of the team was affected. Despite positive reviews and "triple-A polish," the studio cited financial instability and hoped a successful launch would allow them to rehire staff.
The Studio Behind Hit New Star Wars Game Zero Company Quietly Furloughed 'Most' Staff Just Before Launch
Bit Reactor, the studio responsible for the new Star Wars game, furloughed most of its staff shortly before the game's release. This news comes as a significant blow to the development team and raises concerns about the studio's stability.
Star Wars Zero Company studio furloughed workers ahead of launch
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor confirmed that a number of employees were furloughed without pay prior to the game's August 27, 2026 launch due to concerns about its performance. Sources suggest a significant portion of the team was affected, with one former employee alleging "empty promises" and being cut off from profit sharing. The company hopes to reinstate staff if the Electronic Arts-published title proves successful.
"Most" of the developers behind critically acclaimed Star Wars Zero Company were furloughed ahead of launch
The majority of developers behind the critically acclaimed Star Wars Zero Company were furloughed weeks before its launch due to an ownership dispute between Bit Reactor's co-founders. This has led to a significant portion of the staff being placed on unpaid leave, with a skeleton crew remaining to address bugs. While the studio hopes to rehire staff, the ongoing legal battle over company ownership casts doubt on the future.
The studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, which is currently a Steam bestseller, has reportedly furloughed the majority…
Bit Reactor, the studio behind the critically acclaimed and Steam bestseller Star Wars Zero Company, has reportedly furloughed up to 80 percent of its staff. Despite the game's success, uncertainty around launch performance led to the decision, which has drawn criticism from former employees who feel the situation is being concealed.
Star Wars Zero Company Studio Furloughed Many Employees Weeks Before Release
Developer Bit Reactor furloughed a significant portion of its staff weeks before the release of Star Wars Zero Company, a decision confirmed by a company representative as necessary for survival. This news comes amidst a lawsuit filed by co-founder Alison Kelly and reports of employees working without pay, though the company plans to rehire furloughed workers post-launch. Despite these internal issues, the game has received critical acclaim and positive player reception on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
DON’T NOD Announces Restructuring to “Maintain its Competitiveness”, Might Involve Layoffs
DON'T NOD has announced a restructuring aimed at maintaining competitiveness, which is expected to involve layoffs. The company will meet with employee representatives to implement a job protection plan, with further details anticipated soon. This follows previous rumors and industry-wide concerns about job cuts.
Footage leaks of EA's Iron Man game but can it beat the Marvel curse?
Leaked footage has surfaced online for Electronic Arts' Iron Man game, developed by Motive Studio. Despite missing assets, the early trailer showcases impressive gameplay of Tony Stark in action. The game's future remains uncertain due to recent layoffs at EA and a history of underperforming Marvel titles, though Insomniac's Spider-Man games are notable exceptions.
Saber Responds To AI Criticisms In Rideshare Game And Promises, “We Will Never Fire Someone And Replace Them With AI”
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits addressed criticisms regarding the use of AI in their upcoming game, Rideshare Simulator, and stated that the company has never fired an employee to replace them with AI. While the main campaign's dialogue is human-written, a "free ride" mode will utilize generative AI for rapid updates referencing real-world events. Saber confirmed that other titles like Hellraiser and Turok do not use AI and emphasized their continued hiring practices, with their writing staff tripling since 2023.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
Schell Games reportedly lays off staff
Schell Games, known for "Among Us VR" and the "I Expect You to Die" series, has reportedly laid off an estimated 14 employees. This comes despite CEO Jesse Schell's previous public statements against putting jobs at risk, emphasizing the studio's commitment to protecting its staff from financial risks associated with game development.
Report: Among Us 3D co-dev Schell Games lays off staff
Schell Games, known for co-developing Among Us 3D and creating the I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly conducted its first-ever layoffs. Reports indicate that staff from marketing, art, design, and visual effects departments were affected, with one post suggesting around 14 employees were let go.
Former Bethsoft devs claim Microsoft changed the company and mishandled recent layoffs
Former Bethesda developers claim that Microsoft's ownership has led to significant changes in company culture, including the introduction of annual layoffs. They allege that Microsoft mishandled the recent reduction in force, ignoring employee proposals and impacting morale and institutional knowledge.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
Apple reportedly cut more than 200 jobs across Vision Pro and Siri software teams
Apple has reportedly laid off over 200 employees from its Vision Pro and Siri software teams. This move signals a strategic shift within the company towards developing next-generation AI technologies and smart glasses.
Hundreds of current and former devs at Microsoft-owned studios march in Save Our Devs rallies
Hundreds of current and former employees at Microsoft-owned studios participated in Save Our Devs rallies across the U.S. and Canada to protest thousands of layoffs. Protesters highlighted the anxiety among remaining employees and called out Microsoft for allegedly ignoring labor laws and setting a precedent for discarding union workers.
Marty Stratton says id Software is 'all in on id Tech' following Xbox layoffs
Despite recent layoffs at Xbox, id Software producer Marty Stratton confirmed the studio is "all in on id Tech" and has no plans to switch to Unreal Engine. This statement comes after speculation about the studio's future following significant staff reductions.
EA exec calls employees ‘little babies’ for being worried about losing their jobs
An Electronic Arts executive has reportedly referred to employees concerned about job security following the company's acquisition as 'little babies.' Employees are worried about potential layoffs due to the $20 billion debt the company has incurred and the new ownership, which includes Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. There are also concerns that the new ownership may impact the content of games like The Sims and Mass Effect, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
EA's Saudi takeover wouldn't have happened if the company's culture "had any semblance of a moral backbone", say staff fearing layoffs and ownership meddling
Electronic Arts staff express significant concerns following the company's takeover by the Saudi Arabian government and Jared Kushner's investment group. Employees fear potential layoffs, interference with creative decisions, and a negative impact on company culture due to the new ownership's values. Despite EA's assurances, staff feel uneasy and compelled to stay due to the difficult job market.
