A summer of mass layoffs: the gaming industry is preparing for a new wave of layoffs

The gaming industry is once again entering a period of massive turbulence. Against the background of already usual cuts in major publishers this summer, the situation may worsen: according to a number of French and specialized media, several well-known studios will be under attack at once, including Bungie, id Software, Bethesda, BioWare and Quantic Dream.

Problems in the industry accumulated gradually. Previously, it was reported about financial difficulties at Nacon, possible cuts at DON’T NOD, as well as the closure of certain Ubisoft divisions. However, current signals point to a broader wave of restructuring that could affect several major market players at once.

Bungie and pressure from projects and investors

Special attention in industry discussions is given to Bungie. BFM journalist Sylvain Trinel reports that the company may cut up to 400 employees – about half of the staff. Among the reasons cited are the end of active support for Destiny 2, the uncertainty surrounding the prospects of Marathon, and the lack of clear plans for the development of the new part of Destiny.

According to these data, pressure is also increasing from the side of investors: in particular, it is indicated that Sony is not interested in financing Destiny 3, which further complicates the studio’s long-term plans.

Expansion of the crisis to major studios

Trinell also says that the current wave of layoffs may not be limited to Bungie. According to him, id Software, Bethesda and BioWare may be at risk. Although there is no official confirmation of these figures, such statements increase the feeling of instability in the sector of major publishers and studios.

Against the background of these reports, some sources are already talking about a possible new phase of “structural optimization” in companies that are part of large holdings. At the same time, it is not only about reduction, but also about revision of projects that are under development.

Quantic Dream and Internal Reshuffles

Additional information is provided by the French resource STJV, which reports on possible changes in Quantic Dream. According to their data, the studio may cut about 115 employees. Among the reasons mentioned are failures in the role of the publisher, the closure of the online project Spellcasters Chronicles and the delayed technology of Star Wars Eclipse, which was announced back in 2021.

It is also claimed that employees who criticized the management against the background of internal changes of the company may be the first to be cut.

Uncertainty for the entire industry

Despite the lack of official confirmation of some of the reports, the general background in the gaming industry remains tense. A combination of high development costs, a review of project portfolios and pressure from investors is creating an environment where further cuts look likely for many studios in the coming months.