Layoffs continue to plague the video game industry as winter fades away and spring approaches. Despite the challenges faced by many companies, there are still exciting developments to look forward to in the world of gaming. From new games and hardware to innovative projects from small teams, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Take, for example, the exciting initiatives happening at Playdate.
However, amidst the positive momentum, the industry is still grappling with the repercussions of ongoing layoffs. The latest company to announce significant job cuts is PlayStation, which recently let go of approximately 900 employees from its PlayStation division. Additionally, Sony shut down its London Studio, which was working on a co-op multiplayer game for the PS5. Notable studios like Insomniac, Naughty Dog, and Guerrilla also faced layoffs, despite their contributions to successful games on the platform. Firesprite, a first-party studio, was also impacted by the layoffs, leading to the cancellation of a live-service Twisted Metal project.
The layoffs crisis in the video game industry shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. More than 7,000 workers have already lost their jobs this year, following a trend that saw over 9,000 job losses in the previous year.
On February 27, Nintendo celebrated Pokémon Day by unveiling two new games: Pokémon Legends Z-A and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. Pokémon Legends Z-A is set in Lumiose City, a familiar location from previous Pokémon titles, and is expected to feature Mega Evolutions. The game is slated for release on the Nintendo Switch in 2025. The second title, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, is a mobile game that will be available on Android and iOS devices later this year. The game promises to bring the experience of opening physical card packs to your phone, complete with interactive animations and sound effects. While the game will be “free to start,” players can expect in-app purchases.
In the realm of video game news, there have been some quirky and amusing pitches received by tech reporters. These pitches, though often offbeat and sometimes bizarre, offer a glimpse into the creative and sometimes eccentric world of marketing in the tech industry. From products that promise to enhance player immersion with corresponding scents to games that feature unexpected surprises, the emails that land in reporters’ inboxes can range from whimsical to downright dystopian.
In the midst of layoffs and industry challenges, there have been notable developments in the gaming world. Supermassive Games, the studio behind Until Dawn, recently laid off a significant portion of its workforce, while indie studio Die Gut Fabrik has paused production due to funding issues. Additionally, Nintendo has taken legal action against the Yuzu emulator, alleging that it facilitates piracy of Switch games.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits new releases and updates, there is a mix of excitement and uncertainty in the industry. From the launch of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to the introduction of experimental AI tools in software like Photoshop, the landscape of gaming and technology continues to evolve. Amidst the layoffs and legal battles, there are still moments of innovation and creativity that keep players and industry professionals engaged and curious about what the future holds.
