Visual Concepts Austin Hit by Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
In the ever-evolving world of video games, even the most talented developers can face setbacks. Visual Concepts Austin, the renowned studio behind WWE 2K23, NBA 2K24, and Lego 2K Drive, is the latest victim of the industry’s ongoing layoffs.
Impacted Developers Speak Out
The exact number of individuals affected by these recent layoffs remains undisclosed. However, former art manager Brad Bowling shed light on the situation, stating that he and a “group of very talented developers” were among those affected. In a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Bowling lamented, “The games industry bloodletting continues.”
Software engineer Sydney F. is another casualty of the Visual Concepts Austin layoffs. Reflecting on the situation, she expressed, “It’s definitely rough,” and revealed that several of her amazing colleagues also lost their jobs. She fondly mentioned, “I will miss all of those that I worked with greatly.”
Industry-Wide Impact
Visual Concepts Austin is sadly not alone in facing job cuts this year. Numerous other studios have also been affected, including Riot Games, the developer behind the popular League of Legends. Just last month, Riot Games announced a massive layoff of 530 employees, which equates to approximately 11 percent of its global workforce. Additionally, Black Forest Games, Unity, Behaviour Interactive, and Lords of the Fallen publisher CI Games have all announced layoffs.
Microsoft, a major player in the gaming industry, also had to make a tough decision in January. The company revealed that it was laying off 1,900 employees across its video game teams. In an email circulated within the company, Microsoft’s gaming head Phil Spencer referred to this as a “painful decision.”
Unfortunately, the wave of layoffs extended beyond Visual Concepts Austin and Riot Games. Embracer Group, the parent company of Eidos Montreal, canceled the highly anticipated new Deus Ex game, resulting in additional layoffs at the studio.
Stay Informed and Support the Gaming Community
As gamers, it’s essential to stay informed about the challenges faced by developers and studios. These talented individuals pour their hearts and souls into creating the games we love, and they deserve our support. By staying engaged and spreading awareness, we can help foster a stronger, more resilient gaming community.
For the latest news and updates on the gaming industry, make sure to follow reputable sources and join discussions with fellow gamers. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the longevity of our beloved hobby.