Media Molecule Hit by Layoffs: A Bleak Day for the Games Industry
Hey there, fellow gamers! It seems like the games industry just can’t catch a break these days. The latest victim of layoffs is none other than the UK-based studio, Media Molecule. If you’re a fan of their work, like me, this news might hit you hard. But fear not, my friend, for I am here to give you all the details and help you navigate through this challenging time.
20 Jobs Cut at Media Molecule
According to a report by GLHF, around 20 jobs are being cut at Media Molecule, which currently has a staff of about 135 members. This means a reduction to 115 employees, constituting about 15% of the overall workforce. But here’s the kicker: we don’t know which departments have been affected or why these layoffs are happening. It’s like facing an enemy ambush in your favorite game without any warning or explanation. Talk about frustrating, right?
A Pseudo Mascot and Dreams
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the amazing work Media Molecule has given us. They are the creative minds behind the beloved Little Big Planet games, where our adorable Sackboy became a pseudo mascot for the PS3 era. Remember those days? Good times. They even released a spinoff platformer in 2020, courtesy of Sumo Digital. Ah, the memories!
But Media Molecule didn’t stop there. They went on to create Dreams, a title that wasn’t just a game but an entire game engine. It’s like they gave us the power to create our own gaming worlds, unleashing our wildest imaginations. Dreams even produced some excellent games within itself. It was a revolutionary concept, and it definitely left a mark on the gaming landscape.
What Lies Ahead?
Earlier this year, Media Molecule announced that they are working on a brand-new game. Exciting, right? However, this news came with a bittersweet revelation. Support for Dreams is set to end on September 1, 2023. Don’t panic just yet, though. You can still play Dreams, but there won’t be any new content updates. It’s like entering the final level of a game, knowing that there won’t be any DLCs or expansions to look forward to. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.
Now, here’s where things get tricky. While Dreams received positive reviews, it didn’t quite reach the same level of success as Little Big Planet. Could this be a reason behind the layoffs? It’s hard to say for sure. Just like when you’re playing a game and you encounter an unexpected difficulty spike, you have to adapt and find a way to overcome it.
A Wider Problem in the Industry
Sadly, Media Molecule isn’t the only PlayStation-owned studio facing layoffs. Naughty Dog recently cut at least 25 contractors, and even The Last of Us Part 1 assist studio Visual Arts was affected by layoffs. It’s like a multiplayer game where your teammates keep getting knocked out, leaving you to fight the enemy alone. It’s disheartening, but we have to stay strong and support our favorite studios through these challenging times.
In Conclusion: Stay Strong and Game On!
My fellow gamers, let’s not lose hope. The games industry is no stranger to challenges, just like the games we love to play. But remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and become even better. So, let’s stand together, support our favorite studios, and continue to create unforgettable gaming experiences.
And to Media Molecule and all the talented individuals affected by these layoffs, keep your spirits high. Just like a character in a game who loses a battle but never gives up, you have the power to rise again. We believe in you!
Now, go out there and conquer the gaming world, my friends!