Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
Latest coverage
MCU actor Evangeline Lilly slams Disney for "turning their back" on artists after mass Marvel layoffs:…
Actress Evangeline Lilly has criticized Disney and Marvel Studios for their recent mass layoffs, expressing concern for the artists who contributed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She questioned the lack of laws protecting artists' work from AI and highlighted the disparity between executive profits and the struggles of laid-off employees.
Former PlayStation boss blames "really sad" layoffs on "misjudgment" of companies: "It's funny to see the companies who shut down, lay off, the stock price goes up"
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida attributes the widespread layoffs in the gaming industry to management misjudgments, particularly concerning the surge in interest during lockdowns. He notes that despite layoffs, the overall headcount in many companies continues to grow, and observes that stock prices often rise following such workforce reductions.
Report: VR specialist Survios has laid off the majority of its development team
VR-focused studio Survios has reportedly laid off the majority of its development team, impacting employees who worked on titles like Alien: Rogue Incursion and Creed: Rise to Glory. The company, founded in 2013, had recently expanded into PC and console development with titles released on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
GameMaker says AI coding is inevitable, Sony clarifies DRM confusion, and how video games are helping Rikers inmates - Patch Notes #50
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry developments, including GameMaker's integration of AI coding assistance, Sony's clarification on PlayStation DRM updates, and the use of video games for inmate rehabilitation at Rikers. The article also touches on Ustwo CEO Maria Sayans' comments regarding job security, the closure of Spiders studio, and changes to GitHub Copilot's billing model.
Former ESO boss Matt Firor talks about the death of unrealised MMO Project Blackbird: 'Microsoft is Microsoft'
Former Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an unreleased MMO from Zenimax Online Studios. Firor expressed disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity for all involved, and reflected on how Microsoft's business priorities led to the project's demise.
Monument Valley CEO Calls Job Security 'Too Romantic' | HappyGamer
The CEO of Ustwo, the studio behind Monument Valley, has sparked controversy by calling job security 'too romantic' amidst industry-wide layoffs. This statement contrasts with the current climate of mass job cuts at companies like Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The article argues that prioritizing shareholders over employees is a shortsighted business practice that damages the industry's reputation and talent retention.
Business and Finance
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, has laid off dozens of employees in the Bay Area. In other business news, Microsoft exceeded Q3 financial estimates with a 123% increase in its AI business, and Alphabet reported Q1 2026 revenue of $109.9 billion.
GreedFall and Steel Rising Developer Spiders Will Reportedly Shut Down
Reports indicate that Spiders, the development studio behind GreedFall and Steelrising, is set to shut down. Publisher Nacon was unable to find a buyer, leading to the liquidation of the studio and layoffs for its approximately 70 employees. The article also provides details on the upcoming GreedFall II.
Game Industry Layoffs Hide Real Financial Failures, Insider Claims | HappyGamer
An industry insider suggests that recent game industry layoffs are not due to corporate greed but rather hidden financial failures, with many "successful" games barely breaking even due to massive budgets. The article argues that the industry's reliance on illusionary success metrics and lack of financial transparency creates a fragile economic environment, leading to desperate cost-cutting measures like layoffs. It calls for a shift towards more sustainable development practices, potentially through subscription services or smaller projects, to ensure long-term financial health.
Spiders Studio Closes After Nacon Fails to Find Buyer | HappyGamer
Spiders Studio, the developer behind GreedFall and Steelrising, is reportedly closing down after publisher Nacon failed to find a buyer. The closure highlights the struggles of mid-budget AA game development in the current industry landscape, where studios like Spiders are often squeezed out by massive AAA blockbusters and smaller indie projects. This marks a significant loss for the French gaming scene and the genre of unique, personality-driven action-RPGs.
Rumor Mill
Rumors suggest that a new trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 is imminent, with evidence pointing to its near release. Separately, the developer of Dead by Daylight has denied claims that recent layoffs were an act of union busting.
GreedFall and Steel Rising Developer Spiders is Shutting Its Doors – Rumor
Reports suggest that Spiders, the development studio behind GreedFall and Steelrising, is reportedly shutting down due to Nacon's inability to find a buyer. The studio's workforce of approximately 70 employees is expected to be laid off, and Nacon Tech has also met a similar fate.
Greedfall and Steelrising developer Spiders look set to close their doors, according to a recent report
Developer Spiders, known for games like Greedfall and Steelrising, is reportedly facing closure due to insolvency proceedings initiated by publisher Nacon. This follows layoffs last year, and despite the recent launch of Greedfall: The Dying World, the studio has not secured a buyer. A French video game union has blamed Nacon's mismanagement for the studio's predicament.
Business and Finance
March 2026 marked the worst month for tech job layoffs since 2024, according to new figures. The article suggests that the situation is likely to worsen, indicating a challenging period for employment within the tech sector.
"This isn’t just something that affects Wizards of the Coast" - Magic: the Gathering Arena team vote to unionise for protection against layoffs, genAI and forced crunch
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast are organizing to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union aims to secure better protections against layoffs, address generative AI usage, and prevent mandatory crunch. This move follows similar unionization efforts in the gaming industry and aims to give workers more say in workplace conditions and equity.
Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe Team Changes Are a “Standard Part of How We Operate,” Says Ubisoft
Ubisoft has addressed reports of significant developer departures from the Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe team, stating that team mobility is standard practice as project priorities shift. The article notes that while some developers may transition to new projects, others might face layoffs if they cannot find a new role within three months. The game is reportedly targeting a 2027 release, with potential delays to the holiday season.
Magic: The Gathering Arena Developers Announce Official United Wizards of the Coast Worker's Union.
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena have announced the formation of the United Wizards of the Coast union, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America. The union has formally requested voluntary recognition from Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro, citing concerns over worker well-being, equity, AI usage, workload sustainability, and job security. The company has until May 1, 2026, to respond.
Iron Galaxy Layoffs Reveal Gaming's New Crisis: Sustaining Teams vs Shipping Games | HappyGamer
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced another round of layoffs, highlighting a growing crisis in the gaming industry where sustaining development teams has become more challenging than shipping games. This situation reflects a broader trend of studios with proven track records making cuts, raising questions about the human cost of rapid industry growth and the sustainability of careers in game development.
Gaming Industry Faces Growing Pains as Studios Navigate Uncertain Times | HappyGamer
The gaming industry is experiencing significant changes, with studios like Iron Galaxy Studios announcing layoffs and reductions in size. Meanwhile, Troy Baker is planning to launch his own game studio, and rumors suggest Ubisoft has cancelled the game Alterra. Nagoshi Studio has also deleted its YouTube channel, reflecting a period of industry-wide growing pains and shifts.
After losing its creative director, it looks like Assassin's Creed Hexe has lost its game director now too
Assassin's Creed Hexe has reportedly lost its game director, Benoit Richer, who has joined indie studio Servo Games as a co-founder. This follows the earlier departure of creative director Clint Hocking. The game, announced four years ago, is described as a darker, narrative-driven experience potentially set during the Holy Roman Empire witch trials.
