Industry closures and downsizing thread.

[dyne]

https://www.eurogamer.net/bioshock-4...opment-turmoil

2K Games has confirmed recent reports of layoffs at BioShock 4 developer Cloud Chamber, sharing an internal memo with Eurogamer in which 2K president David Ismailer told staff the publisher would be "reducing the size of the development team" as it looks to "rework certain aspects" of the purportedly troubled project.

Ismailer then confirmed former Diablo boss Rod Fergusson's appointment as new studio head, concluding, "I recognise that today is a day of mixed emotions. We're excited to have Rod joining us, and are equally grateful to everyone at Cloud Chamber who has helped us get this far. These changes are rooted in 2K's firm confidence in BioShock as one of the most beloved franchises, and our commitment to deliver the best game in franchise history."

[dyne]

Didn't want to make a thread for this.

https://evo.gg/news/2025-business-update

SIE has sold its stake in Evo to NODWIN Gaming, a company backed by SIE's parent, Sony Group Corporation. SIE will become a new global sponsor of Evo through 2028, and will continue its commitment to the fighting game community...

[dyne]

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update...4687985594369/

Crystal Dynamics announces layoffs as a result of "evolving business conditions." Decision not made lightly "to ensure the long-term health of our studio and core creative priorities in a continually shifting market."

Tomb Raider not impacted by the decision.

Not surprising considering they were a support group for Perfect Dark.

[Zivouhr]

Speaking of Crystal D, the larger corporation that bought the rights to the Crystal D developed Soul Reaver Kain series, delivered well on a remaster of the Soul Reaver 1 and 2 games, which were greatly appreciated by many fans. They did a nice job and kept the games affordable, and even offered a deluxe disc version with a collectible book, steelbook tin and double music CD from the games. Really nice.

I think those going to school to develop video games may be wasting their money on College cost degrees, when that money would be better saved, as they could easily teach themselves programming and development and make their own games, or create assets and use those to get hired.

The larger the developer, the easier it would be to lose the job I think as of 2025. The big studios have too much weight to carry with too many employees, and if they aren't raking in the profits, they won't survive carrying all of the extra help. Cuts made unfortunately.

[heyadol]

Originally Posted by Zivouhr

Speaking of Crystal D, the larger corporation that bought the rights to the Crystal D developed Soul Reaver Kain series, delivered well on a remaster of the Soul Reaver 1 and 2 games, which were greatly appreciated by many fans. They did a nice job and kept the games affordable, and even offered a deluxe disc version with a collectible book, steelbook tin and double music CD from the games. Really nice.

I think those going to school to develop video games may be wasting their money on College cost degrees, when that money would be better saved, as they could easily teach themselves programming and development and make their own games, or create assets and use those to get hired.

The larger the developer, the easier it would be to lose the job I think as of 2025. The big studios have too much weight to carry with too many employees, and if they aren't raking in the profits, they won't survive carrying all of the extra help. Cuts made unfortunately.

Not programming related, but I've found over the years that self-taught (me) pays less than school graduates (my coworkers). Didn't matter who was more proficient or had more experience. Guess they need more money to pay for those college loans...

[Zivouhr]

Originally Posted by heyadol

Not programming related, but I've found over the years that self-taught (me) pays less than school graduates (my coworkers). Didn't matter who was more proficient or had more experience. Guess they need more money to pay for those college loans...

Interesting, thanks. Depends on the field of work too. Game Art and programming skill being of high value more than probably someone with less skill for gaming art and programming skill with a BFA degree in video games.

That's a good point that many are still paying back their loans for school decades later.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by Zivouhr

Speaking of Crystal D, the larger corporation that bought the rights to the Crystal D developed Soul Reaver Kain series, delivered well on a remaster of the Soul Reaver 1 and 2 games, which were greatly appreciated by many fans. They did a nice job and kept the games affordable, and even offered a deluxe disc version with a collectible book, steelbook tin and double music CD from the games. Really nice.

I think those going to school to develop video games may be wasting their money on College cost degrees, when that money would be better saved, as they could easily teach themselves programming and development and make their own games, or create assets and use those to get hired.

The larger the developer, the easier it would be to lose the job I think as of 2025. The big studios have too much weight to carry with too many employees, and if they aren't raking in the profits, they won't survive carrying all of the extra help. Cuts made unfortunately.

Don't need a 4 year degree for labor jobs... 2 words Trade School. In the IT world degrees are really for management if you have experience. Ill take someone with 4-5 years of professional experience and multiple certifications over a person right out of college.