XR Games Faces Layoffs Amid Starship Troopers: Continuum Release
The gaming industry has witnessed its fair share of ups and downs, and XR Games is currently experiencing a challenging period. Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of Starship Troopers: Continuum, the studio is facing significant restructuring, resulting in layoffs for a large number of employees.
A Setback for XR Games
The announcement of Starship Troopers: Continuum was initially seen as a positive development for XR Games, offering a chance to redeem themselves after the disappointing reception of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded. However, the situation has taken a turn for the worse, with layoffs looming over the studio.
Layoffs Imminent
Reports indicate that 72 employees at XR Games are at risk of losing their jobs, just a day after the Starship Troopers: Continuum announcement. While the studio has yet to make an official statement, employees, including head of quality assurance Tamara Wymark and environment artist Max Fitzgerald, have publicly expressed their concerns and support for their colleagues.
Impact on the Team
The layoffs are expected to have a significant impact on XR Games, which employs between 51 and 200 people. Cutting such a large number of employees will undoubtedly be painful for the studio, especially as it prepares to launch Starship Troopers: Continuum on October 17 for Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 owners, and on October 31 for PlayStation VR2 users.
A Difficult Time for the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has been facing various challenges in recent times, including economic uncertainties and market fluctuations. XR Games is not alone in experiencing difficulties, as other studios have also had to make difficult decisions regarding their workforce.
The Future of XR Games
The layoffs at XR Games raise questions about the studio’s future. While Starship Troopers: Continuum may offer a glimmer of hope, the impact of losing a significant portion of its talent pool cannot be ignored. The studio will need to carefully navigate this challenging period and find ways to maintain its momentum and ensure the success of its future projects.
