- A restructure at Lively Studio will lead to layoffs as the business streamlines
- The layoffs are deemed necessary for the company’s long-term sustainability
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The developer behind Warped Kart Racers, Lively Studio, is undergoing layoffs as part of a reorganization to “streamline certain aspects of the business,” a spokesperson informed GamesIndustry.biz.
Although only a small number of positions are at risk, the spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs are necessary for the company’s long-term viability.
Lively’s sibling studio, Electric Square, is not affected by the restructuring process.
Both studios are subsidiaries of Irish game company Keywords Studios, which has a global presence, having acquired various companies like Climax Studios, Helpshift, LabCom, The Multiplayer Group, and others.
Earlier this month, Keywords Studios was acquired by EQT for £2.1 billion.
A Difficult Decision
The layoffs at Lively Studio come after a strategic review that concluded the need for business optimization for long-term success.
“This decision was made with careful consideration for the company’s future health. We are committed to supporting our employees through this potential transition and providing them with the necessary assistance for their careers,” said the spokesperson.
“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all our employees and are excited about the future with continued innovation and growth.”
Lively Studio is recognized for mobile games like Detonation Race and Warped Kart Racers, which features characters from popular adult cartoon shows like Family Guy and King of the Hill. The Kart Racer recently expanded from Apple Arcade to the high-end Apple Vision Pro, with a steep price that has led to decreased demand.
The layoffs are part of a larger trend in the mobile game industry, with reduced spending, game closures, and numerous job cuts occurring.
