Deck Nine Games Faces More Layoffs Amid Industry Struggles
The gaming industry continues to grapple with significant challenges, as Deck Nine, the studio behind the recently released Life is Strange: Double Exposure, has announced another round of layoffs. This unfortunate news adds to a troubling trend of job losses that have affected both major companies and indie developers throughout 2024.
Layoff Announcement: Deck Nine has confirmed that more staff members have been let go, following earlier layoffs earlier this year.
CEO Statement: In a heartfelt message shared on the studio's social media, Mark Lyons, the CEO, expressed gratitude for the contributions of departing team members and acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing the industry. He stated:
While the exact number of layoffs at Deck Nine has not been disclosed, it follows a previous reduction in February 2024, when the studio laid off approximately 20% of its workforce. The ongoing layoffs may be linked to the underwhelming performance of Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its narrative and ending.
The gaming sector has seen over 14,600 confirmed job losses across more than 175 companies this year. Notably, Ubisoft recently announced layoffs affecting nearly 300 employees due to the closure of studios related to the upcoming shutdown of XDefiant.
As Deck Nine navigates these turbulent waters, the future of the studio remains uncertain, especially given its already small team size. The community is encouraged to support those affected during this challenging time.
What are your thoughts on the recent layoffs in the gaming industry? How do you think this will impact future titles from Deck Nine? Share your views in the comments!
