The gaming industry is experiencing some tough times, and sadly, it seems like Bossa Games is feeling the pinch. After laying off around a third of its workforce in January 2024 due to what they described as a “perfect storm of circumstances,” further layoffs have now occurred. The company’s CEO has emphasized that this is a short-term issue but part of a broader business turmoil.
This recent round of job cuts marks another challenging moment for Bossa Games, which has seen significant changes since announcing Lost Skies. This new open-world title represents a substantial change from their previous offerings, such as Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread, leaving many fans intrigued yet concerned about the studio’s stability.
In his detailed statement on LinkedIn, Bossa’s CEO Henrique Olifiers provided insight into the industry’s current state. He argues that the tens of thousands of layoffs over recent years indicate temporary fluctuations and “a basic transformation” in how game development operates today.
The co-founder poignantly noted:
We’ve had to make the painful decision to scale back, focusing on the late-stage production of Lost Skies and its upcoming launch, ensuring the game is successfully released and evolved for its players for the foreseeable future. Once Lost Skies is established and enjoying live operations, we’ll reshape into small teams working independently on novel game ideas brought to the players as early as possible.
This year has been fierce across various studios concerning layoffs and closures. Recently reported suggestions indicated that NetEase might be preparing to divest overseas studios, potentially leading to further job losses. Just days earlier, they laid off an entire North American team working on Marvel Rivals, a stark reminder that these issues are widespread.
Bossa’s pivot towards more adventurous gameplay with Lost Skies, despite its departure from their traditional style, has garnered excitement among gamers eager for fresh experiences. However, this situation casts shadows over those expectations as we anxiously await news regarding employee welfare and game release timelines.
