Yesterday was a good day in the games industry. Hollow Knight: Silksong made us remember why we love what we love. Steam crashed, huge amounts of cash were spent, and there was absolutely nothing to complain about, until 2K came along with a beer for us to hold.
As everybody was trying to give Team Cherry their money, over at Firaxis, envelopes were being handed over, tears were being shed, and desks were being cleared. Cynical timing? Bury your bad news?
Industry layoffs are par for the course, especially since a project ends. Devs must know that soon after a game goes live, chances are they will be back in the job market again. I spoke to the CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, a couple of months ago, where he mooted that the games industry was moving towards a movie model, where you work on a project, leave, and then find a new project to work on. He’s definitely right there. However, they would never tell you.
Again, though, it’s the manner of the layoffs and the PR around them that sticks in the throat. No company is obligated to inform us about cuts to the workforce, even if it is at a legendary and much-loved studio such as Firaxis, which has been part of the gaming landscape since long before 2K’s executive crew sat around its first boardroom table, working out how to make billions from little pixels.
As ever, we find out by those who have lost their jobs scrabbling around on LinkedIn for work. Following that, Rock, Paper Shotgun barrelled into 2K’s inbox asking if there had been layoffs.
They were confirmed, obviously, but again, I am taking issue with the mealy-mouthed PR response.
“We can confirm there was a staff reduction today at Firaxis Games, as the studio restructures and optimizes its development process for adaptability, collaboration, and creativity.”
Oh, do shut up.
As people panic and wonder where their next paycheck is coming from the corpo response is to dress this up as improving creativity rather than just being honest. Nobody is looking at that statement thinking, ‘Hey, maybe this will lead to better games after all. ‘ It’s an uncaring, pathetic, bad habit that once again goes unchecked.
The 2K spokesperson also told RPS that it was policy not to disclose how many had been laid off. To be fair, they hadn’t even disclosed anything until they were directly asked.
Within two years, we have become desensitized to this nonsense. Even though not perfect, that game has made 2K a fortune and will continue to do so, probably for many years if earlier games in the franchise are anything to go by. Better make sure we get more creative and collaborative with fewer people now that they have served their purpose, eh?
Best of luck to all those affected. We hope you all find new employment soon.
Last Updated On: Sep 5, 2025 6:06 am CEST