As the gaming shifts beneath our feet like a treacherous platform in an old-school arcade, People Can Fly has made the gut-wrenching decision to lay off 120 of its team members. corporate restructuring; it’s a stark reminder of how fragile our favorite industry can be.
The Announcement
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski revealed that the studio is scaling back its ambitions by suspending Project Victoria and downsizing Project Bifrost. These changes come as external market pressures surprise even the most seasoned developers.
Important update from Sebastian Wojciechowski, CEO. pic.twitter.com/UeDV97zEoB
— People Can Fly (@PCFPeopleCanFly) December 10, 2024
“Today, we made a very difficult decision,” Wojciechowski stated, reflecting on the tough choices that have become all too familiar in recent years. The focus will now shift to developing a single game rather than juggling multiple projects. They seem to be doubling down on new work-for-hire engagements, hoping to weather this storm.
This news adds to an already troubling tally in the gaming world, with nearly 15,000 known jobs lost in 2024 alone. When you factor in unconfirmed layoffs, we see over 16,000 jobs evaporating from our lively community. It’s hard not to feel disheartened when studios we admire face such dire straits.
“We recognize this is a profoundly challenging time for our team members,” Wojciechowski expressed with genuine concern for those affected. He emphasized their commitment to supporting impacted colleagues while also caring for those who remain, a balancing act that feels heavier than ever.
He added that despite these setbacks, their dedication to excellence and creativity remains unwavering: “For everyone who loves what we create, we will not give up on our dreams.”
How do you feel about this? Do you think it’s AI that’s been taking over jobs or not? Let us know in the comments below!
