Reikon Games, the Polish gaming studio celebrated for its action-packed title “Ruiner,” has reportedly laid off a significant portion of its workforce in a surprising turn of events. According to sources within the company, approximately 60 to 70 employees, constituting 56% of its current staff, have been let go. These layoffs have shocked many employees due to their sudden and unexpected nature.
Reikon Games, following the success of “Ruiner,” had been actively working on a new project titled “Final Form,” a sci-fi first-person shooter. This project, announced in 2021 under Plaion’s Prime Matter division, garnered considerable attention from the gaming community.
However, the current status of “Final Form” remains uncertain. While the game’s teaser trailer can still be found on Reikon’s YouTube channel, it has been removed from Prime Matter’s channel, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the fate of this ambitious title.
Wave of layoffs across the gaming industry
Reikon Games is not the only studio facing workforce reductions in recent days. In a parallel development, Microsoft Gaming has announced plans to cut its workforce by 8%, affecting approximately 1,900 employees across key divisions such as Activision Blizzard, Xbox, and ZeniMax. This move comes as part of Microsoft’s strategic realignment following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Another casualty in the gaming industry is Black Forest Games, renowned for its remakes of “Destroy All Humans.” The studio has reportedly undergone major layoffs, impacting 50% of its workforce as part of Embracer Group’s ongoing restructuring program.
Furthermore, Polish studio People Can Fly, known for titles like “Outriders,” is also grappling with layoffs. The studio’s workforce reductions result from a reduced budget for its collaborative project with Square Enix, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry.
Industry-wide challenges
These recent layoffs across multiple gaming studios highlight the challenges and uncertainties that developers continue to face in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving gaming industry.
Factors such as shifting market dynamics, budget constraints, and corporate restructuring can significantly affect established and emerging game development companies.
