Mediatonic Faces Job Losses after Layoffs by Epic Games
In a shocking turn of events, Mediatonic, the UK developer behind the beloved battle royale game Fall Guys, is grappling with expected job losses following yesterday’s layoffs by gaming giant Epic Games. While the studio itself will not be shutting down, its future has been thrown into uncertainty.
Acquisition by Epic Games
Back in March 2021, Epic Games acquired Mediatonic, aiming to secure the studio’s future after the massive success of Fall Guys. However, the recent layoffs have cast a shadow over this partnership. Rumors circulated that the cuts were so severe that the entire studio would be forced to close. Fortunately, this is not the case, as confirmed by both Mediatonic team members and Epic Games.
Impact on Mediatonic
Despite the studio remaining open, the job cuts have had a profound impact on Mediatonic. Many staff members have taken to social media to express their search for new positions elsewhere. The scale of the cuts is staggering, and it remains unclear how many people will be left at the studio. The aftermath of the layoffs has left employees from various departments, including IT support, marketing, software development, and creative roles, uncertain about their future at Mediatonic.
Mediatonic’s Commitment to Fall Guys
Amidst the turbulence, an Epic Games spokesperson reassured fans that Mediatonic’s work on Fall Guys remains a priority. Despite the challenges, the battle royale game will continue to receive support and updates. However, the departure of numerous staff members has raised concerns about the future of the game’s development and content creation.
Epic Games and its Core Focuses
Epic Games, known for its popular Unreal Engine and the wildly successful Fortnite, has experienced significant layoffs across the company. Roughly 16 percent of the total headcount has been cut, with a majority of the losses occurring in areas outside of Epic’s core focuses. The company has emphasized its commitment to Fortnite, highlighting ongoing efforts to build new battle royale seasons, introduce exciting game modes, create immersive musical experiences, and collaborate with renowned brands like Lego.
A Challenging Time for the Gaming Industry
The recent news of job losses at Mediatonic and other studios, such as UK-based Creative Assembly, following the cancellation of Sega’s game Hyenas, reflects the challenging climate in the gaming industry. These developments serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the business and the impact it has on talented individuals who contribute to the creation of beloved games.
The Future of Mediatonic and a Call to Action
As Mediatonic navigates the aftermath of the layoffs, it is crucial for gamers to support the studio and its talented developers. Fall Guys has brought joy to millions of players worldwide, and it is our responsibility as a gaming community to stand by Mediatonic during this challenging time. Stay tuned for updates on the future of Fall Guys and show your support for the team. Together, we can ensure that Mediatonic continues to create innovative and entertaining gaming experiences.