Pinball FX developer Zen Studios caught in Embracer layoffs
Zen Studios, the developer behind the Pinball FX and CastleStorm series, has become the latest of Embracer Group’s studios to be hit by layoffs.
The details:
A source close to the Budapest-based studio confirmed to Videogamelayoffs that 32 employees have been laid off. The company had 65 employees at the time of its acquisition in 2020, and community manager Adam Dienes confirmed that he was directly affected by the move.
Embracer Group, which acquired the company in 2020, was contacted by GamesIndustry.biz for comment. A spokesperson stated that it would not comment on specific studios but instead reiterated the company's previous statement about the ongoing restructuring, which would result in "the closing of studios and the termination of projects."
Crystal Dynamics, Gearbox, and Beamdog have all experienced significant layoffs in recent months, with Saints Row developer Volition closing entirely following the franchise's poorly received reboot. Embracer announced the restructuring program in response to the failure of a $2 billion partnership with a then-undisclosed company, later revealed to be Savvy Gaming Group.
More gaming news:
Following the commercial failure of its recent title The Lamplighters League, Paradox Interactive has confirmed that it is parting ways with developer Harebrained Schemes. The studio reportedly laid off 80% of its employees earlier this month, and it is now planning to go independent.
Roblox has announced that employees will need to return to an in-person office by summer 2024 for at least three days a week or find work elsewhere. Select staff members will be exempt from the rule, such as those in the company's moderation, customer service, and specialist teams.
