When it rains, it pours as another local developer has laid off staff. One could be forgiven for thinking this is old news, but the sad fact is that this is only further evidence of how dire things are in the games industry. Sydney game developer and publisher Blowfish Studios has reportedly laid off around 30 staff with no public announcement of the significant redundancy. Jack Ryan broke the story as employees affected search for work after the redundancy.
The move comes almost parallel to the release of Hex Gambit: Respawned on PC and consoles, which is being published by Blowfish Studios.
Another blow to the Aus Game Dev scene.
Sydney's Blowfish Studios has conducted significant layoffs. Several ex employees have posted to social media in recent days but the studio has made no formal announcement. Sources suggest the toll could be 30+ staff. pic.twitter.com/ifYHjrqlSV
— jack ryan 🙏 (@dctrjack) March 5, 2024
The news comes just days after Melbourne’s Torus Games effectively made its entire staff redundant, leaving Bill McIntosh, founder of the studio to take care of things. Many developers in the local industry had their start there so it’s a blow to the industry here in Melbourne. Torus Games has handled some huge IPs in its impressive 30-year run, such as Lego and World War Z, releasing over 140 games often as a work-for-hire studio. Other Aussie studios impacted over the last few months include Samurai Punk and League of Geeks,
We’re barely into March and definitely not out of the woods yet. It’s a sobering thought that players are often unaware of how challenging making the games we love is. The Checkpoint Gaming team sends their best to all developers in the local and wider industry who are worried for their livelihoods.
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