Yet another notable game studio is laying off a significant chunk of its workforce. Supermassive Games, the developer behind interactive horror titles Until Dawn and The Quarry, is cutting around 90 jobs, according to Bloomberg. That’s nearly a third of the studio’s more than 300 employees.
Supermassive confirmed in a statement that the studio will reorganize. “As a result, we are entering into a period of consultation, which we anticipate will result in the loss of some of our colleagues,” it said. “This is not a decision that’s been taken lightly, with many efforts made to avoid this outcome.”
A statement from Supermassive Games. pic.twitter.com/9GkgIrYQvt
— Supermassive Games (@SuperMGames) February 26, 2024
Supermassive notes that it’s not safe from the “significant challenges” facing the games industry. More than 6,000 workers in the industry have lost their jobs since the beginning of the year and we’re not even into March yet.
Meanwhile, indie studio Die Gute Fabrik has paused production amid funding difficulties. The developer of Saltsea Chronicles and Sportsfriends will use its remaining funds to give staff a month of paid time “to catch their breaths” while they look for new jobs. The studio is still seeking backers to help it resume production and hopes to bring back current team members in the future. However, it notes that “the publishing and investment scene is so tough for companies and projects of our scale right now it’s made it extremely difficult to secure funding for our next project without a gap in income.”
We’re sad to share that we’re halting production at @gutefabrik due to the challenging funding & investment scene in games right now. We downed tools earlier this month & have been doing our best to support the team who’ll be looking for work from mid-March.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/iQgXUHDxYj
— Die Gute Fabrik (@gutefabrik) February 26, 2024
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/until-dawn-and-the-quarry-developer-supermassive-is-reportedly-laying-off-around-90-workers-165747517.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
It’s always disheartening to hear about game studios facing challenges and having to make tough decisions like layoffs. Hopefully, Supermassive Games and Die Gute Fabrik can weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side. The gaming industry can be tough, but it’s the resilience and creativity of these developers that keep us coming back for more. Let’s continue to support and appreciate the hard work that goes into creating the games we love.
Estell Mann
It’s tough to see game studios struggle, especially with layoffs. The gaming industry is competitive and ever-changing, and even talented developers like Supermassive Games and Die Gute Fabrik face difficulties. Marlon, it’s vital to support these developers in tough times. Their creativity and resilience bring us the games we love. Let’s hope both studios can overcome challenges and emerge stronger.