Tales of Kenzera: Zau studio impacted by layoffs (Via: eurogamer.net)
Developers at Tales of Kenzera: Zau Hit by Studio Layoffs
The creators behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Surgent Studios, have undergone some serious staff reductions.
The Bad News
As first noticed by Game Developer, several ex-employees of Surgent Studios are now in the job market. Among them is level designer Peter Brisbourne. He shared on LinkedIn, "The chapter entitled 'Pete Works At Surgent Studios' is coming to a close at the end of the month," and he's seeking new opportunities.
More Voices
Jordan Smee, a technical artist at Surgent, echoed Brisbourne's sentiments in a heartfelt LinkedIn post. "Well, it looks like I'm joining all the people affected by industry layoffs this year," Smee shared. 🥲 Meanwhile, a producer known as Raysura confirmed their layoff news on Bluesky with the blunt remark, "Shit sucks."
What’s Next?
This wave of layoffs adds to the series of industry-wide job cuts seen this year. The affected Surgent Studios employees are now navigating through these challenging times, looking for new opportunities in the gaming world.
For the full scoop, check out the original article.
Another One Bites the Dust: Tales of Kenzera: Zau Developer Layoffs
Welp, looks like another celebrated name in the gaming industry has taken a hit. Surgent Studios, the folks behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau, have laid off several team members. As adversity hits the gaming world once again, it's time to crack open this conversation about what it truly means for the industry.
The Industry Hit List: Layoffs Continue
Whenever we hear about layoffs in the gaming industry, it’s like getting punched in the gut. These aren’t just numbers; these are creative souls pouring their heart into making the next big game. Recently, it was noted by Game Developer that numerous employees of Surgent Studios had suddenly found themselves out of a job. Yup, that’s right, right in the middle of development.
Personal Stories: More Than Just a Statistic
Take Peter Brisbourne, a level designer, who announced on LinkedIn that his time at Surgent Studios wraps up this month. He’s officially on the job market. Then there’s Jordan Smee, a technical artist, who shared a similar sentiment on LinkedIn. You could almost hear the collective "damn" from the gaming community. And lastly, Raysura, a producer, expressed their frustrations on Bluesky, stating they too were laid off, bluntly declaring, "Shit sucks." Ain’t that the truth.
Why Do These Layoffs Happen?
Good question. The gaming industry is notorious for its unpredictable nature, and often, developers get cut as an unfortunate way to balance the books. With big projects demanding massive budgets and lengthy development periods, studios sometimes have no choice but to tighten their belts. It doesn’t make it any easier for those affected, though.
Impact on the Industry
Seeing such talent suddenly up for grabs indicates that there might be more behind the scenes. This isn’t just isolated to Surgent Studios; it’s a pattern that's reflected widely. The constant cycle of hire, crunch, fire can make one wonder about the sustainability of the gaming industry.
Hope on the Horizon?
Despite the gloom, the gaming community often rallies around its own. Job postings explode with opportunities for laid-off devs, often leading to stronger, more experienced teams across the industry. If nothing else, the resilience and adaptability of game developers remain impressive.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Surgent Studios, although unfortunate, reflect broader issues within the gaming industry. As these talented individuals begin new chapters, the community needs to push for better practices and support for those who bring our favorite games to life. After all, where would we be without their creativity and hard work?
Interested in reading more about the situation? Check out the full report on Eurogamer.
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