What's Happening?
Funcom has announced the closure of The Outsiders, a game development studio known for its work on 'Metal: Hellsinger'. The decision comes shortly after Funcom's major release, 'Dune: Awakening', which was described as the company's biggest release. The Outsiders' founder, David Goldfarb, shared the news on Bluesky, expressing the impact of the layoffs on the Stockholm-based studio. The exact number of employees affected by the closure has not been disclosed. Goldfarb reflected on the studio's journey, highlighting the team's resilience after a previous project, 'Darkborn', was canceled. Despite the closure, Goldfarb indicated that the team hopes to continue creating games in some capacity.
Why It's Important?
The closure of The Outsiders highlights the volatility within the gaming industry, where even successful releases do not guarantee long-term stability for development studios. This move by Funcom could have significant implications for the employees affected, as well as for the gaming community that follows their work. The decision underscores the challenges faced by smaller studios in maintaining operations amidst financial pressures and market demands. The layoffs and studio closure may also impact Funcom's reputation and its ability to attract and retain talent in the future.
What's Next?
The future for the former employees of The Outsiders remains uncertain, as they navigate the job market following the studio's closure. Funcom's next steps in terms of restructuring and focusing on other projects will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders. The gaming community may also see shifts in the types of games produced by Funcom, as the company reassesses its strategic priorities.
