Layoffs
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The games industry will never "get back to normal", lament Tony Hawk devs Iron Galaxy, as they make another round of layoffs
Iron Galaxy, the developers behind Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 and ports of various games, has announced another round of layoffs, citing permanent changes in the video game industry's market conditions. The company stated it can no longer sustain its previous team size following a previous downsizing. This news comes amidst broader industry trends of job cuts and shifts in publisher investment criteria, with generative AI and live service games being discussed as potential factors.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 developer Iron Galaxy announces more layoffs after cuts in early 2025
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced another round of layoffs, citing current market conditions and evolving player consumption habits. The veteran developer, known for its work on titles like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 and support for The Last of Us Part II's PC port, previously laid off 66 employees in early 2025. Adam Boyes also stepped down as co-CEO last year, leaving Chelsea Blasko as the sole leader.
Iron Galaxy Studios announces further layoffs, unknown number of staff affected
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced further layoffs due to current market conditions, stating it's impossible to sustain their team size. This follows a previous downsizing in February. The company acknowledges the changing landscape of game development and publishing, leading to difficult decisions about its structure and workforce.
Iron Galaxy Studios Cuts Jobs as Gaming Industry Layoffs Continue
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced job cuts, continuing the trend of layoffs within the gaming industry. The studio, known for its work on the Killer Instinct reboot and porting major titles like Destiny 2 and Diablo III, is experiencing a reduction in staff. This event highlights ongoing concerns about industry stability and the treatment of skilled developers.
Metroid Prime Remastered Studio 'Iron Galaxy' Announces More Layoffs
Iron Galaxy, the developer that assisted with Metroid Prime Remastered, has announced further layoffs due to a new company structure and the need to adapt to current video game industry climate. This follows a previous round of layoffs, with the studio stating it's impossible to sustain its previous team size.
Business and Finance
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced new redundancies, according to Insider Gaming. The exact number of affected employees and the reasons behind the layoffs were not immediately disclosed.
Iron Galaxy Studios Announces New Round of Layoffs
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced another round of layoffs as part of a company downsizing, citing shifts in how players consume games and changing publisher investment criteria. The number of affected employees was not disclosed, but the studio stated it will support those impacted. This follows a previous layoff of 66 employees in early 2025.
Iron Galaxy Studios announce layoffs and restructuring
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced layoffs and a company restructuring, citing the changing conditions of the video game industry as the reason for its inability to sustain its current team size. The studio is adjusting its operations to adapt to these industry shifts.
Iron Galaxy lays off more people, says it still had too many employees even after 2025's 'last resort'…
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced another round of layoffs, citing a need to adapt to permanent changes in the video game industry climate. This follows a similar downsizing over a year ago, with the studio stating it still has too many employees to sustain its current structure. Former Bungie community manager David Dague was among those let go.
Iron Galaxy Studios lays off 'a number' of workers as it reduces company size
Iron Galaxy Studios has laid off an unspecified number of employees as it restructures and reduces its company size in response to current video game industry market conditions. The studio, known for porting games and co-development, cited changing player consumption habits and publisher investment criteria as reasons for the permanent shift in its operational posture.
Z5 Game Studio Shuts Down Forever, Leaving Players Without Support
Z5 Game Studio has permanently shut down, laying off all employees and ceasing all operations and support for its games. The studio cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the closure, leaving players without future updates or server maintenance. This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by game development studios in the current industry climate.
Weak job security risks an industry brain drain | Opinion
A new report highlights how widespread industry layoffs have negatively impacted employee morale and job security, leading many skilled workers to consider leaving the gaming sector. This trend, coupled with concerns about AI adoption and job satisfaction, risks a significant brain drain of experienced talent. The article suggests that the industry needs to address these issues to retain its experienced workforce.
Video Game Industry Woes Continue With More Mass Layoffs At Iron Galaxy
Iron Galaxy Studios has announced a second round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 90 employees, as it adapts to the current climate of the video game industry. The studio cited slowed growth and changing publisher criteria for contract work as reasons for restructuring. This follows a previous downsizing in 2025 and reflects a broader trend of industry-wide downsizing since the pandemic.
Laufey comes to Fortnite, alongside a new Rock Band-like feature and Save the World
Laufey is the new headliner for Fortnite Festival Season 14, launching on April 16, 2026, with exclusive outfits and new karaoke features. The update also introduces a Rock Band-like mode with Mic Vocals and Pro Drums support, alongside the return of Fortnite Save the World as free-to-play. These additions aim to boost Fortnite's popularity following recent layoffs at Epic Games.
Evening Mobilization
Snapchat's parent company has announced the elimination of 1,000 jobs, citing the increasing efficiency of artificial intelligence in handling repetitive tasks. This move reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where AI is being integrated to streamline operations and potentially reduce workforce needs.
Studio Z5 Closes Pixel Heroes Adventure, Dismisses All Staff
Z5 Games has ceased operations for its game Pixel Heroes Adventure and laid off its entire staff, citing unavoidable circumstances. The studio, founded in 2020 with a focus on blockchain integration, faced challenges with player retention and its economic model. Details regarding refunds and server shutdowns are forthcoming, reflecting a broader trend of closures in the blockchain gaming sector.
Snap is laying off 16 percent of its workforce, blames AI
Snap is laying off approximately 1,000 employees, representing 16 percent of its workforce, with CEO Evan Spiegel citing advancements in artificial intelligence as a reason for the reduction. The company expects these changes to save over $500 million by the second half of 2026 and improve net-income profitability. This move follows similar workforce reductions at other tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Pinterest, as they increasingly integrate AI to boost efficiency.
"Be creative 99% of the time" – Glen Schofield on how creativity can help fix AAA industry woes
Glen Schofield, director of The Callisto Protocol, argues that the AAA industry's woes stem from inexperienced individuals being placed in leadership roles due to excessive funding, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes the solution lies in identifying and empowering true creative talent, leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, and optimizing release timing to avoid market saturation. Schofield emphasizes that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replicate the nuanced creative process essential for developing innovative AAA titles.
Amazon is downscaling cloud video game service Luna
Amazon is significantly scaling back its cloud gaming service Luna, discontinuing individual game purchases and access to third-party stores like EA, GOG, and Ubisoft. Existing direct purchases will cease to function on June 10 without refunds. This strategic shift follows departures from Amazon Game Studios and a broader company focus on core strengths, including a re-launch of Luna and a partnership for the Tomb Raider franchise.
Epic is reportedly cooking up a Disney extraction shooter, and suggestions staff are lukewarm on it are 'not reflective of the ambitions of the Disney collaboration'
Epic Games is reportedly developing an extraction shooter in collaboration with Disney, despite internal lukewarm reception. This project is part of a larger deal that includes at least two more games. The news follows recent layoffs at Epic, attributed by CEO Tim Sweeney to challenges in maintaining Fortnite's engagement and profitability.
