Hi-Rez Studios Hit With Layoffs

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Hi-Rez Studios Hit With Layoffs

Key Takeaways

  • Hi-Rez Studios conducted undisclosed job cuts across subsidiaries to ensure Smite 2’s long-term success.
  • CEO Stewart Chisam announced layoffs affecting teams from various departments and prioritizing Smite 2 resources.
  • Focus on Smite 2 development and future longevity prompts layoffs in uncertain industry climate.

As a long-time fan and follower of Hi-Rez Studios, this recent news about job cuts across their subsidiaries has left me feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, I am excited for the future of Smite 2, but on the other, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that many talented individuals will be affected by these layoffs.

Hi-Rez Studios, responsible for creating Smite, has made unspecified reductions in its workforce across various subsidiaries. Among these internal studios under Hi-Rez’s umbrella are Alacrity Arthouse, Evil Mojo Games, and Red Beard Games.

Over the past few years, numerous workers in the gaming sector have found themselves out of work due to companies reorganizing to reduce expenses amidst economic hardship. Notable studios like Bungie (a subsidiary of Sony) and even smaller independent developers such as Surgent Studios (creators of Tales of Kenzera: Zau) have experienced layoffs. Companies like Ubisoft have faced multiple rounds of job cuts during this time, while the industry as a whole has been grappling with uncertainty. Recently, Hi-Rez Studios has joined the list of affected companies.

In a tweet, Hi-Rez Studios’ CEO Stewart Chisam disclosed that an unspecified number of staff members at Hi-Rez Studios will be let go. He clarified that some employees from Hi-Rez’s subsidiaries such as Evil Mojo Games, Titan Forge Games, and G&A would be impacted by this decision. Chisam explained that these changes, although difficult, are essential for the long-term success of their new MOBA game, Smite 2. He emphasized that employees across various departments, including marketing, publishing, and development roles, will be affected by this action. Notably, the affected staff members belong to the “game team” responsible for creating cosmetic skins and system features.

Hi-Rez Studios Joins the List of Studios Conducting Layoffs

Due to Chisam’s recent announcement, Hi-Rez Studios has joined a list of game companies that have had to let go of their employees this year, which includes studios like Insomniac Games, Ubisoft Toronto, Gearbox, and others. The CEO acknowledged the difficult choice, stating it was primarily due to “a shortcoming in my leadership” rather than the fault of those impacted. They went on to explain that the layoffs were necessary so that Hi-Rez could focus a significant portion of its resources on the development of Smite 2, which is currently in early access, as well as providing “small teams for light updates” for their other games such as Smite and Paladins.

Chisam clarified that the present team developing Smite 2 is significantly bigger than the Smite 1 team during most of its active years. Moreover, the head of Hi-Rez stated their aim with Smite 2 is to deliver an outstanding game experience, aiming for the game’s success to endure well into the 2030s. Furthermore, they are focusing on enhancing the transition process for Smite 1 gods to Smite 2 and striving to meet player expectations in this aspect.

Amidst other studios enacting job cuts, the industry appears to be experiencing one of its toughest stretches in a while. This pattern, coupled with an escalating number of big-budget games such as “Star Wars: Outlaws” and “Concord” falling short of expectations, is making things particularly difficult for studios. At present, it’s hard to predict when the tide of layoffs might finally recede.

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2024-10-03 16:43