Supermassive laid off 70 developers


The gaming world is currently navigating a choppy waters, with countless studios across the board facing the inevitable winds of corporate restructuring. This trend isn’t unique to Supermassive Games, which has recently dealt with a significant shake-up, laying off more than 70 developers across various departments.

Following a redundancy consultation process held back in August, the studio concluded a period of difficult transition, resulting in the departure of a substantial number of staff. These roles spanned developers, artists, producers, and members of the senior leadership team, reflecting a broader effort to streamline operations.

For those involved, the news is certainly a blow. Frank Tindle, a 16-year veteran of the studio, shared the reality of this change, confirming that “more than 70 brilliant people are leaving Supermassive.” It’s a stark reminder that behind the polished titles and engaging experiences, there are real people whose work and dedication form the heart of the creative process.

Supermassive Games, famous for landmark titles like Until Dawn and the Dark Pictures Anthology, has carved out a specific niche in the industry. Despite its massive history, the studio has faced some commercial hurdles, with their latest self-published release, Directive 8020, achieving just 3000 concurrent players on Steam and drawing mixed player reviews.

When the studio was at its peak, it boasted a sizable team of over 400 developers, a testament to the ambitious scope of their projects. Since their debut in 2015, the team has maintained a prolific output, releasing at least one game annually and often juggling up to three diverse projects within a single year.

While the business realities are tough, the focus now shifts to the future for those affected. Hopefully, the departing team members find new opportunities where their talent and creativity can continue to thrive.

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