A combination of factors including operational cost increases, funding delays and the overshadowing of the release of multiple AAA games towards the end of the year have led to layoffs at Surgeon Simulator developer Bossa Studios.
Surgeon Simulator developer Bossa Studios has also started layoffs: 19 people laid off
According to reports, the layoffs have mostly affected Quality Assurance (QA) and production roles and employees outside the UK. Despite the reduction in workforce, Bossa Studios has 40 employees and the studio has shifted its focus to its upcoming project Lost Skies.
Challenges leading to layoffs in the games industry
A spokesperson for the company cited the difficult situation resulting from a number of events, including rising operational costs, funding delays and the industry’s focus on major AAA game releases towards the end of the year.
A multi-platform Xbox exclusive is reportedly in the running for game of the year in the year of its release.
The confluence of these factors has created a scenario that Bossa Studios is struggling to overcome, requiring the studio to reshape and reduce its workforce.
Bossa Studios’ official statement
Speaking about the layoffs, the spokesperson expressed the studio’s sadness at the situation and emphasized its efforts to support affected employees. Olifiers also urged industry peers to help spread the word about the talented individuals affected by the layoffs and encouraged them to be hired to make valuable contributions to other teams.
It’s a paradox that 2023 was one of the best years in gaming, but also one of the worst due to industry-wide layoffs.
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In a year when games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Zelda 2, Cocoon, Alan Wake 2 and Banished Vault were released, it’s really sad when layoffs are so high. What do you think? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
