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Supermassive Games, the developer of Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures anthology, announced today that it is adding to the growing list of studios laying off staff in 2024. The studio disclosed that, due to prevailing industry issues, it will be reorganizing and entering a period of consultation. Reports suggest that up to 90 employees, about 25-30% of its workforce, may face lay-offs.
Bloomberg reports that 150 Supermassive employees were notified today of potential job risks in compliance with labor laws. Sources indicate that approximately 90 individuals might be laid off following the consultation period. Supermassive later confirmed this in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are fully aware of the unsettling and challenging nature of this process for all our employees and will ensure that it is conducted with respect and empathy for all involved.”
Supermassive is the latest addition to a vast array of companies that have recently announced staff layoffs. From 2023 through the first two months of 2024, over 1,600 jobs have been lost. Prominent companies such as Microsoft, Riot Games, and Twitch have all made layoff announcements this year. Even significant investment efforts have not prevented these actions, as Build a Rocket Boy announced layoffs shortly after securing $110 million in funding.
In its statement, the studio also mentioned that it will be “focusing our efforts on our core strengths and upcoming titles.” These upcoming titles include Little Nightmares III, Dead by Daylight spinoff The Casting of Frank Stone, and The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020. While Supermassive’s 2015 title Until Dawn receives a remaster, Ballistic Moon is overseeing that project.
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