Update 9-4-24: Until Dawn remake developer Ballistic Moon has acknowledged “significant” layoffs at the studio after several staff members announced their departure earlier in September.
A LinkedIn post from the studio said it was “profoundly sorry” for the layoffs that appeared to affect at least 11 members of staff at the studio, though an exact number is unclear and Ballistic Moon did not respond to IGN’s request for comment.
“It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that we must make the tough decision to significantly sale down our team to secure the future of our studio,” Ballistic Moon said. “This comes after our development of Until Dawn for PS5 and PC.”
It continued: “Saying goodbye to such a talented and passionate group of people is incredibly difficult, and we are profoundly sorry for the impact this restructuring will have on our employees and our families.”
Original Story 9-2-2024: Ballistic Moon, the developer behind the PlayStation 5 and PC remake of Until Dawn, has laid off several staff members.
Eurogamer first reported that at least two staff members had announced their departure on LinkedIn but 11 Ballistic Moon developers have now either posted about being made redundant or marked themselves as “open to work” and looking to start somewhere new immediately.
It’s unclear exactly how many of these staff were laid off, or if the number is greater than 11, but IGN has asked Ballistic Moon for comment.
“Like many others in this wonderful but turbulent industry, I am sadly being made redundant from my role,” said junior game designer Cassy Cornish in a LinkedIn post. “Unfortunately my current role at Ballistic Moon is being made redundant so I’m looking for new opportunities,” said game programmer Stuart Campbell in another
The past two years have seen countless video game industry layoffs as big companies including Microsoft, Sony, and the embattled Embracer Group have not just cut jobs but shut down entire studios.
Microsoft shut down Redfall developer Arkane Austin alongside Hi-Fi Rush and Ghostwire Tokyo developer Tango Gameworks in May 2024 in a move met with shock and anger by industry peers and fans.
Embracer Group shut down Saints Row developer Volition in 2023, while Sony shut down its London Studio in March 2024 amid layoffs affecting 900 staff across the PlayStation business. Chinese video game company NetEase also reportedly laid off most staff at Visions of Mana developer Ouka Studios with plans to shut it down altogether.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
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