Yooka-Laylee Studio Playtonic Formally Confirms Layoffs

Yooka-Laylee developer Playtonic has formally confirmed that it has been hit by layoffs, describing those that have been let go as “some actually good members of [the developer’s] staff”.

In a put up on X, Playtonic says that though it explored “each attainable avenue” to keep away from layoffs, it was compelled to make the identical “painful choices” that many different studios throughout the business are at the moment dealing with.

The developer says the layoffs are usually not a “reflection of anybody’s expertise or dedication”, however that “the panorama is shifting”, forcing Playtonic to adapt to altering instances. The corporate does not reveal what number of staffers have misplaced their jobs.

Playtonic says that the layoffs do not simply signify a “tough second” for the studio, however quite a “interval of profound change in how video games are created and financed”, though it does not go into any additional element.

What’s for sure is that Playtonic is way from the one studio to be hit by layoffs in latest months. Huge studios like Murderer’s Creed writer Ubisoft, EA subsidiary and Apex Legends developer Respawn, and British outfit Sumo Group have all been caught up within the business sea change Playtonic recognized.

Since forming in 2014, Playtonic has launched simply two video games, particularly 3D platformer Yooka-Laylee and its 2.5D spinoff Yooka-Laylee and the Unattainable Lair. It is at the moment engaged on a remaster-slash-remake of its first sport with the quite amusing title Yooka-Replaylee.

Along with its growth division, the studio additionally has a publishing arm by the title of Playtonic Buddies, underneath which video games like BPM: Bullets Per Minute, Lil Gator Sport, and comfortable farming sim Cattle Nation have been launched.

Whether or not or not Yooka-Replaylee seems to be what’s wanted to show Playtonic’s fortunes round stays to be seen. The sport is at the moment set for launch someday this 12 months, so keep tuned for extra.