Key Takeaways
- Thunderful announces a second restructuring in 2024, resulting in more layoffs.
- Despite favorable reviews, Thunderful’s SteamWorld Heist 2 failed to meet internal revenue goals.
- Thunderful’s CEO aims to focus on third-party publishing for growth and stability.
As a longtime gamer and follower of the gaming industry, it’s disheartening to see yet another beloved developer like Thunderful face restructuring and layoffs. I remember fondly playing SteamWorld Heist 2, and the thought that these talented individuals are being let go due to financial constraints is saddening.
In a regrettable turn of events, the creators and distributors of the widely appreciated SteamWorld series, Thunderful, have unveiled plans for a corporate restructuring. This move will inevitably lead to job reductions within the organization. Dishearteningly, this is the second instance of such an occurrence in just one year. Thunderful Group, a gaming company based in Sweden and established in December 2019, is known for launching games such as SteamWorld Heist 2, The Gunk, and Lost in Random.
2024 saw a wave of layoffs across the gaming industry, affecting both large and small companies alike. Microsoft reduced staff within its Xbox gaming division in September 2024. Even the original studio behind “Life is Strange,” Don’t Nod, experienced layoffs in October. To stay afloat, many companies have been compelled to resize their workforce. Sadly, some studios, such as Firewalk Studios under Concord, have had to close down entirely.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, Thunderful has announced another company reorganization, leading to potential job losses for approximately 100 employees within and outside of Sweden. Previously this year, the developer implemented a similar program that led to layoffs affecting 20% of its workforce. Despite positive feedback for SteamWorld Heist 2, Thunderful has not achieved its financial targets internally. This reorganization will also affect administrative and management staff positions.
Thunderful Intends to Focus on Third-Party Publishing
It appears that recent developments at Thunderful are primarily aimed at promoting growth and stability in the company, according to CEO Martin Walfisz. In other words, by publishing games from external partners, they aim to cut down on fixed costs, gain more flexibility, and manage cash flow more effectively. Given the numerous changes happening so quickly, it’s challenging for fans to predict what lies ahead for Thunderful. We’ll have to wait and see how this reorganization might influence their upcoming games such as SteamWorld Headhunter or those being developed by their teams.
2024 saw a continuation of layoffs that were prevalent in the industry during 2023. The paradox between impressive major game releases and widespread layoffs has left many with a sense of discomfort. At the Game Developers Conference in 2024, Baldur’s Gate 3 director Swen Vincke attributed job cuts to corporate greed. Regardless of the cause, the gaming sector suffered from more than 13,000 job losses in 2024 itself.
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2024-11-15 13:03