Reports have surfaced that Vancouver-based mobile games developer A Thinking Ape has implemented layoffs in various departments as part of restructuring efforts. While the exact number of employees affected is unknown, departments such as community management, software engineering, game design, product analysis, and 2D and 3D art have been impacted. The layoffs also extended to a senior recruiter.
Industry Trends
Vancouver is recognized as a prominent hub for mobile games development globally, yet even major players in the industry have not been immune to recent industry-wide layoffs, with Kabam being a notable example. A Thinking Ape is just one of many companies making cuts as the industry navigates a post-pandemic decline in revenue and a significant decrease in downloads.
With over 50 million downloads across its portfolio, A Thinking Ape specializes in strategy games like Kingdoms of Heckfire, Kingdoms at War, and Witch Arcana. However, despite the genre’s position as the fourth-largest mobile revenue generator, changes in Apple device operations have negatively impacted revenue in this sector.
As part of the Embracer Group, A Thinking Ape’s restructuring aligns with broader industry trends, including its parent company’s decision to lay off 1,400 employees and divide into three separate entities to address debts.
“Unfortunately, this week, ATA had to restructure leading to the departure of some incredibly talented people. A Thinking Ape expressed appreciation for the contributions made by the departing employees and sought assistance from the game industry community in connecting them with new opportunities,” according to a LinkedIn post from the company.
Recent developments in the industry have seen GTA publisher Take-Two announce plans to reduce staff by 5% and cancel upcoming projects.
