Visual Concepts Austin, known for its contributions to the LEGO 2K Drive and popular WWE 2K and NBA 2K series, has recently faced a wave of layoffs, joining the ranks of numerous gaming studios experiencing similar cutbacks. The news comes from a report by Game Developer, highlighted through statements made by former employees on LinkedIn.
Brad Bowling, the studio’s ex-art manager, shared his personal experience, noting the significant impact of the layoffs on himself and his colleagues. “Well, the games industry bloodletting continues,” Bowling expressed. “Today, Visual Concepts Austin laid off myself and a group of very talented developers.”
Reflecting on his 23-year career in game art, Bowling remarked on the uniqueness of the current industry downturn, underscoring the depth of the situation. Despite the setback, he fondly remembered working alongside some of the industry’s most skilled game developers.
Similarly, software engineer Sydney F shared their experience, marking it as the second time they’ve faced job loss due to layoffs in eighteen months. Despite the adversity, Sydney F remains hopeful about finding new opportunities, drawing from their previous experience securing employment in a challenging market.
The layoffs at Visual Concepts Austin signify a broader trend of job cuts across the gaming industry, affecting various studios and their projects. The studio itself has been instrumental in developing several key titles for Visual Concepts, showcasing the talent and dedication of its now-reduced team.
