Metroid Dread developer MercurySteam announces layoffs

Metroid Dread developer MercurySteam has confirmed that it is undergoing layoffs following the disappointing performance of its latest title, Blades of Fire.

The details:

• The Spanish studio announced on LinkedIn that it has initiated a “workforce adjustment process,” affecting an unspecified number of employees. The company stated that it will focus on handling the process “in the most responsible, humane, and respectful manner for all those involved” over the next few weeks.
• In its statement, the team said, “We want to express our deepest respect, gratitude, and support to each person affected by this decision. Their talent, dedication, and contributions have helped shape who we are today, and we will always be grateful for that. We are doing everything in our power to support them during this transition and to help them find new opportunities. If your studio is looking for experienced professionals, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us so we can help connect you with exceptional talent.”
• The layoffs follow the underperformance of the studio’s most recent game, Blades of Fire, an action-adventure title released last year on PS5 and the Epic Games Store and coming to Steam later this month. Following its launch, Digital Bros. shared that the game had failed to hit commercial targets, leading to "higher-than-expected write-offs."