The video game world is seeing more job cuts, with Hi-Rez Studios announcing it will lay off some workers after launching Smite 2 in early access.
Hi-Rez Studios is letting people go from all departments, especially in marketing and publishing. Stewart Chisam, the CEO, shared on X that teams like Evil Mojo, G&A, and Titan Forge will be hit hard. Only a few people will stay to support Smite and Paladins, while the main focus turns to Smite 2. For those interested, you can read more on PC Gamer.
“Our priority now is gameplay,” Chisam explained. “We’re looking at new modes and gods, plus improving quality, rather than adding cosmetic items.” The plan is to make Smite 2 as fun as possible before it goes free-to-play next year.
Despite these changes, a big team remains on Smite 2, even bigger than the original Smite’s team. The aim is to craft a game that brings happiness and sticks around till the 2030s.
“We all feel the impact of these layoffs,” Chisam admitted. “These are skilled and passionate individuals who have given their all. Letting them go is heartbreaking and a failure on my part, for which I am responsible.”
Fans wonder if these layoffs will ever stop, given the tough times the industry is facing.
In the past year, the gaming industry has seen lots of layoffs, with companies like Ubisoft, Bungie, and Microsoft cutting jobs. Chris Deering, a former Sony boss, got backlash for saying laid-off workers should consider driving for Uber.
