Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Highguard to receive one final update before shutting down permanently next week
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its live-service shooter Highguard will permanently shut down its servers on March 12. Despite attracting over two million players since launch, the game failed to build a sustainable player base. A final update will be released before the shutdown, adding new content and progression systems.
Killing Floor studio Tripwire Interactive lays off 23 people because of 'business realities' and all the other…
Tripwire Interactive, the developer behind Killing Floor and Rising Storm, has laid off 23 employees, citing 'business realities' and the evolving video game industry. The studio described the decision as difficult, impacting various departments. This follows a trend of significant layoffs across the game industry since 2022.
Business and Finance
Tripwire Interactive, the developer of Killing Floor, has laid off 23 employees. Separately, physical video game sales in 2025 are reported to have reached a new 30-year low.
Killing Floor Studio Tripwire Interactive Hit by Layoffs
Tripwire Interactive, the developer behind the Killing Floor series, has laid off 23 employees, citing industry changes and business realities. The studio stated it is committed to supporting those affected and continuing with its current projects, including Killing Floor 3, despite the game's low player count on Steam.
Halfbrick cuts 41 jobs as it navigates "challenging period for the games industry"
Australian mobile studio Halfbrick has laid off 41 employees, citing a challenging period for the games industry and strategic priorities. The developer of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride is navigating these changes with care for affected staff. Their latest title, Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen, was released on mobile in late 2025/early 2026 with console and PC versions planned for May 2026.
Embracer subsidiary Tripwire Interactive has laid off 23 employees
Tripwire Interactive, a subsidiary of Embracer Group, has laid off 23 employees, citing evolving business needs. The company, which develops and publishes titles like Killing Floor 3, stated the decision was difficult but necessary. Embracer Group acquired Tripwire in 2022 and has retained ownership after divesting the Saber Interactive subsidiary.
Killing Floor dev Tripwire Interactive lays off 23 employees
Tripwire Interactive, the developer of Killing Floor, has laid off 23 employees, citing the need to align with business realities and stay focused on creative goals amidst an evolving gaming industry. The studio confirmed it will continue progress on its current projects and is committed to supporting the affected individuals through their transition.
Fruit Ninja studio Halfbrick hit with layoffs: 'we are navigating a challenging period for the games industry'
Australian studio Halfbrick Studios, known for Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, has announced layoffs affecting 41 staff in Australia and concluding international engagements. The company cited a challenging period for the games industry and organizational priorities as reasons for the decision. The PC release of Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen remains unaffected.
MMO Week in Review: The clock strikes Midnight
This week's MMO news roundup covers the early access launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight, BitCraft entering its second early access phase, and Gamigo reviving Gloria Victis. The article also touches on layoffs at Corepunk, Discord's postponed age verification rollout, and various updates and issues across numerous other MMO titles.
How Fortnite Hurt The Gaming Industry - The Game Fanatics
Fortnite's transition to a battle royale model and its subsequent massive success has significantly impacted the gaming industry, leading many companies to chase its formula. This pursuit, coupled with overestimations of profits post-COVID, has contributed to industry layoffs and studio closures, though the author anticipates a resurgence of AA games with unique experiences.
Halfbrick Studios is cutting jobs in Australia
Halfbrick Studios, known for mobile titles like Jetpack Joyride and Fruit Ninja, has announced an undisclosed number of layoffs impacting employees in Australia. The studio cited challenging market conditions and organizational priorities for the cuts. Halfbrick is also developing games for PC and consoles, including Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
Skate Developer Full Circle Hit by Layoffs
Skate developer Full Circle has undergone layoffs as part of a studio transformation aimed at supporting the game's long-term future. Parent company Electronic Arts announced the changes, which impact "some roles." Player retention for Skate has significantly decreased since its launch, with recent player counts on Steam being a fraction of its peak.
Skate developer Full Circle confirms layoffs, claims commitment to the game's future "remains strong"
Skate developer Full Circle, a studio under Electronic Arts, has announced layoffs as part of a studio restructuring aimed at supporting the game's long-term future. The company stated that the affected employees are talented colleagues and friends, and that their commitment to Skate remains strong. The exact number of layoffs was not disclosed.
EA makes layoffs at Skate developer Full Circle
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs at Full Circle, the studio developing the skateboarding game Skate. The company stated that these changes are necessary to better support the free-to-play title, despite its strong initial player engagement. The exact number of impacted employees has not been disclosed.
Riot Games confirms layoffs within publishing division
Riot Games has confirmed layoffs within its publishing division, eliminating approximately 12 roles across three teams. This follows recent layoffs impacting the 2XKO development team. The company, fully acquired by Tencent in 2015, continues to support titles like Valorant and League of Legends.
Skate developer Full Circle impacted by layoffs
Skate developer Full Circle, a studio under Electronic Arts, has undergone layoffs as part of a team restructuring aimed at supporting the game's long-term future. The exact number of affected employees is unknown, but the studio stated that the decision was not a reflection of their impact. This follows previous job cuts at EA in April 2025 and at Respawn Entertainment.
Yves Guillemot: "Changes of this scale naturally raise questions and create tension"
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged employee concerns following recent cost-cutting measures and layoffs, stating that such changes naturally create tension. He emphasized the need for transparency and open dialogue while navigating a competitive industry. Guillemot also defended the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of the Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios.
Even though many developers are being laid off, consumer spending in gaming was actually up in January 2026, new report reveals
Despite widespread layoffs in the industry, US consumer spending on video games in January 2026 increased by 3% year-on-year to $4.3 billion, primarily driven by a 23% rise in non-mobile subscription services. Hardware sales saw a 16% increase, boosted by the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, even as sales for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the original Nintendo Switch declined.
Ubisoft Toronto hit by layoffs, 40 staff impacted
Ubisoft Toronto has laid off 40 employees as part of a global cost-saving initiative by Ubisoft. Development on the Splinter Cell remake and other co-development projects, including Rainbow Six, will continue unaffected. This follows recent studio closures and cancellations by Ubisoft, such as the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake.
