Outriders Studio People Can Fly Announces Over 120 Job Cuts in Second Layoff Wave
Outriders developer People Can Fly has announced its second round of layoffs in less than a year, affecting “more than 120” employees. This move comes alongside the cancellation or downsizing of various projects, with the studio attributing the decision to “external market pressures”.
In a statement regarding the recent layoffs, People Can Fly CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski expressed, “Today, we made a very difficult decision to reduce our self-publishing strategy by suspending Project Victoria, scaling down our team on Project Bifrost, and restructuring certain supporting teams at People Can Fly.”
Wojciechowski further stated, “We are deeply saddened by the fact that this situation means suspending or parting ways with more than 120 talented Aviators, colleagues who we enjoyed having as part of our team… This action became necessary as external market pressures persisted beyond our forecasts. The video game market is still evolving, and we have to adjust to where things are today. We are doubling our efforts with new work for hire engagements and focusing on the development of a single independent game.”
The CEO emphasized the studio’s belief in their teams, games, and their potential, highlighting their commitment to the journey ahead. Wojciechowski assured that resources and assistance are being provided to those affected by the job cuts, while also supporting those remaining as they navigate the challenges of losing coworkers and friends.
### Impact of Layoffs on the Gaming Industry
People Can Fly’s recent layoffs add to the distressing trend in the gaming industry in 2024, with over 14,600 industry employees reported to have lost their jobs since the beginning of the year. This figure compounds the 10,500 workers laid off in 2023, indicating a concerning pattern in the industry.
### Industry Expert Insights
GamesIndustry.biz’s Chris Dring previously shared his insights on the reasons behind these widespread layoffs earlier this year, shedding light on the challenging landscape faced by game developers and studios.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt, the impact of these job cuts reverberates throughout the community, emphasizing the resilience and determination required to navigate such turbulent times.
