Deck Nine’s Tough Decision
In a challenging turn of events, Deck Nine, the studio behind the acclaimed Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, has announced a second wave of layoffs as 2024 comes to a close. This follows an earlier round of layoffs in early 2024, where 20% of the team was let go.
CEO’s Message to the Team
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media platform X/Twitter, Deck Nine Games CEO Mark Lyons expressed regret over the decision. He stated, “We’ll have to say goodbye to some of our talented team members,” though he did not disclose the exact number of employees affected by this latest round of cuts.
“This was an extremely difficult decision and reflects the challenging times many companies in our industry are currently facing,” Lyons continued. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the team, emphasizing gratitude for their contributions to creating transformative entertainment.
Recent Achievements Amid Struggles
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Deck Nine has seen success with the release of Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, which garnered positive reviews, including a notable 9/10 rating from IGN. The studio, also known for titles like Life Is Strange: Before the Storm and True Colors, as well as The Expanse: A Telltale Series, has been navigating difficult internal challenges. Earlier this year, reports surfaced detailing issues related to workplace toxicity, hate speech, and intense crunch periods within the company.
Impact of Layoffs on the Studio
Following the layoffs announced in February, it was estimated that Deck Nine employed between 100 and 130 staff members. However, the exact number of employees remaining after these two rounds of layoffs remains uncertain. Earlier in May 2023, approximately 30 employees were laid off, further impacting the studio’s workforce.
Broader Industry Trends
Unfortunately, Deck Nine’s announcement is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry as it grapples with economic challenges. Just this week, Ubisoft revealed plans to shut down two production studios, resulting in layoffs for 277 employees. Such news highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by many companies in the gaming sector as they adjust to the evolving landscape.
Conclusion
As the year draws to a close, the gaming industry continues to face significant hurdles. Deck Nine’s recent layoffs serve as a reminder of the challenges that many studios are currently navigating, even amidst moments of creative success.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with a focus on entertainment reporting. In her free time, she enjoys reading fantasy novels and participating in Dungeons & Dragons games.
