What's Happening?
Tencent-owned Swedish developer Sharkmob has announced plans to lay off an unspecified number of employees as part of a strategic restructuring of its organizational structure. This decision follows the
announcement that its supernatural battle royale game, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodhunt, will be taken offline in April 2026. Sharkmob aims to focus its efforts on the continued development of Exoborne, a tactical open-world extraction shooter, which remains in development. The layoffs come shortly after similar cuts at Funcom, another Tencent-owned studio, which included the closure of Metal: Hellsinger developer The Outsiders.
Why It's Important?
The layoffs at Sharkmob highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Western studios owned by Chinese companies like Tencent. This move reflects a broader trend of restructuring within the gaming industry, as companies seek to streamline operations and focus on sustainable growth. The impact of these layoffs could be significant for employees and the gaming community, as it may affect the development timelines and quality of upcoming games. Additionally, it underscores the shifting dynamics in the industry, where investment strategies are being reevaluated in response to market conditions.
What's Next?
As Sharkmob proceeds with its restructuring, the focus will likely be on the development of Exoborne, which has shown promise in early playtests. The gaming community and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the studio's output and future projects. Meanwhile, Tencent's investment strategy in Western studios may continue to evolve, potentially leading to further adjustments in its portfolio and operations.
Beyond the Headlines
The layoffs at Sharkmob may have deeper implications for the gaming industry, particularly in terms of the relationship between Western studios and their Chinese parent companies. This development could signal a shift in how these companies manage their international investments, potentially influencing the global gaming market and the competitive landscape.
