Just Cause franchise developer Avalanche Studios is shedding 50 staff because it strikes to shutter its New York and Montreal places in what it calls an “exceptionally troublesome determination.”
The corporate introduced the information in a post on its website, saying that the layoffs in these areas have an effect on 9 p.c of its worldwide workforce. It says the choice is “crucial to make sure a secure and sustainable future for the corporate.”
“Our focus is now supporting all Avalanchers by means of this difficult time,” the studio says. “We’re grateful for the invaluable contributions of these leaving and stay dedicated to creating unbelievable gaming expertise for our gamers.”
It’s at the moment unclear how Avalanche can be supporting these affected. The closure of its New York and Montreal spots leaves three remaining workplace places in Stockholm, Liverpool, and Malmö. Its Montreal location opened only about eight months ago in October 2023, and its New York location opened in June 2022.
A Damaging Pattern Continues
Layoffs at Avalanche, which can also be answerable for serving to create video games like 2015’s Mad Max, Rage 2, and the upcoming Xbox-exclusive Contraband sport, add to a rising record of layoffs sweeping the trade over the past yr. It’s estimated that greater than 10,000 builders misplaced their jobs in 2023 alone, with gaming giants like Sony, Microsoft, Riot, and EA happening to put off giant numbers of workers in 2024 because the yr rolls on.
More moderen examples noticed Take-Two Interactive shedding 579 staff in April and Microsoft closing Bethesda’s Arkane and Tango Gameworks studios in Might whereas Sq. Enix prepares for its personal cost-cutting strikes within the U.S. and Europe.
In the meantime, 100 Avalanche builders managed to affix Swedish commerce union Unionen final October, and in April, the corporate agreed to signal a collective bargaining settlement with those that have unionized.
For extra, you’ll be able to learn up on why some builders assume layoffs have hit as arduous as they’ve over the past yr. Then make sure to study extra in regards to the individuals they layoffs are affecting most.
Michael Cripe is a contract contributor with IGN. He began writing within the trade in 2017 and is greatest recognized for his work at shops corresponding to The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
You should definitely give him a observe on Twitter @MikeCripe.