Avalanche Studios Group, the renowned developer behind the Just Cause series and the upcoming Xbox exclusive Contraband, has announced significant layoffs. Approximately 50 employees have been let go, according to the studio’s official statement.
Major Workforce Reduction at Avalanche Studios Group
In a recent blog post, Avalanche Studios Group revealed that it has laid off around 50 employees, which constitutes roughly 9% of its workforce. Additionally, the company is closing two of its five offices, located in New York and Montreal.
“This is an exceptionally difficult decision, but we believe it is necessary to ensure a stable and sustainable future for the company,” the statement read.
Impact on Current Projects
Avalanche Studios Group is currently working on Contraband, a highly anticipated open-world cooperative game published by Xbox Game Studios. The game, set in a fictional 1970s paradise for smugglers, was first announced during Xbox’s presentation at E3 2021. Despite the excitement generated by its announcement, details about the game remain scarce.
Omar Shakir, the game’s director, described Contraband as the studio’s most ambitious project to date. However, no further official information has been released.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry
The layoffs at Avalanche Studios Group are part of a broader trend of workforce reductions in the gaming industry in 2024. Earlier this year, Microsoft laid off around 1,900 employees and closed several studios, including Tango Gameworks, the developer of Hi-Fi Rush, and Arkane Austin.
While it is unclear if the layoffs at Avalanche are directly related to these broader industry cuts, they underscore the challenges facing the gaming industry today.
Specifics of the Layoffs
- Number of Layoffs: Approximately 50 employees, about 9% of the workforce.
- Office Closures: New York and Montreal offices are being shut down.
- Projects Affected: The upcoming game Contraband.
Reactions and Future Prospects
The layoffs at Avalanche Studios Group have sparked a mix of reactions from the gaming community and industry analysts. Some express concern about the stability and future of ongoing projects, while others empathize with the difficult decisions faced by game development studios in a volatile market.
Ensuring Stability
The studio’s leadership has emphasized that these layoffs are aimed at ensuring the long-term stability and sustainability of the company. While this is a challenging period for those affected, the decision is seen as a strategic move to safeguard the future of the studio and its projects.
Industry Context
- Microsoft Layoffs: 1,900 employees earlier this year, multiple studio closures.
- Wider Industry Impact: Reflects broader challenges within the gaming industry.
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Upcoming Announcements
As the industry grapples with these changes, players and fans eagerly await more news about Contraband and other projects in development. The hope is that, despite the current setbacks, Avalanche Studios Group will continue to deliver innovative and engaging gaming experiences.