What's Happening?
Behaviour Interactive, the developer behind the popular game Dead by Daylight, has announced layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees. The decision comes as the company faces a decline in demand for mobile and casual external development projects.
A spokesperson for the Canadian studio stated that the roles eliminated were part of the external development team, which has traditionally focused on partnerships with major companies like NetEase Games, Disney, Nintendo, EA, and Tencent. This move follows the recent acquisition of 7 Days to Die developer The Fun Pimps and the closure of Behaviour's subsidiary, Midwinter Entertainment, in 2024. As of March 2026, Behaviour Interactive employed approximately 1,200 people across its offices in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Rotterdam, and the United Kingdom.
Why It's Important?
The layoffs at Behaviour Interactive highlight the challenges faced by gaming companies in adapting to shifting market demands. The decline in mobile and casual game development projects suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences or market saturation in these areas. This development could impact the broader gaming industry, particularly companies that rely heavily on external development partnerships. The decision to reduce staff may also affect the company's ability to innovate and expand its portfolio in the future. For the affected employees, the layoffs represent a significant personal and professional setback, underscoring the volatility of employment in the tech and gaming sectors.
What's Next?
Behaviour Interactive will likely focus on consolidating its resources and exploring new opportunities to adapt to the changing market landscape. The company may seek to strengthen its core offerings, such as the Dead by Daylight franchise, which has amassed over 70 million players globally. Additionally, Behaviour might explore new partnerships or projects that align with current market trends. The gaming industry will be watching closely to see how Behaviour navigates these challenges and whether it can maintain its position as a leading developer in the face of evolving consumer demands.
