Studio Layoffs at Ascendant Studios
Ascendant Studios, the developer behind the recently released game Immortals of Avenum, has undergone a significant downsizing with nearly half of its staff being laid off. The news was initially reported by Polygon and was later confirmed by CEO Bret Robbins through a tweet on September 14, 2023.
Impacted Workforce
It has been estimated that around 50% of Ascendant Studios’ employees have been affected by the layoffs. The reduced workforce will undoubtedly have an impact on the studio’s ongoing and future projects.
Reasons for Layoffs
The specific reasons behind the studio’s decision to downsize remain unclear. However, industry insiders speculate that a combination of factors such as financial difficulties and changes in the gaming market landscape could have contributed to the layoffs.
Immortals of Avenum Release
Despite the layoffs, Ascendant Studios released their game Immortals of Avenum recently. The action RPG has received positive reviews, with players praising its engaging gameplay and immersive world. The downsizing amidst the success of their latest release comes as a surprise to many in the gaming community.
Industry Response
News of the layoffs at Ascendant Studios has been met with sympathy and concern from both players and fellow developers. The gaming industry is known for its volatile nature, with studio closures and layoffs being relatively common. However, any reduction in workforce is still unfortunate for those directly affected by it.
Effects on Ongoing and Future Projects
With nearly half of Ascendant Studios’ staff being laid off, it raises questions about the studio’s ability to continue developing and supporting their existing and upcoming projects. The remaining team will have to shoulder the additional workload and may face challenges in meeting deadlines and maintaining the quality of their work.
Support for Immortals of Avenum
Players who have invested time and money into Immortals of Avenum are understandably concerned about the game’s future. Continued support through updates and patches is crucial for any live-service game, and the reduced workforce could potentially impact the studio’s ability to provide timely updates and address player feedback.
Potential Opportunities for the Laid-Off Employees
While the layoffs are undoubtedly a setback for the affected employees, the gaming industry as a whole continues to grow and offer opportunities. With their experience in creating a well-received game like Immortals of Avenum, these talented developers may have attractive prospects at other studios or even in starting their own ventures.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Ascendant Studios come as a surprise following the recent release of their successful game, Immortals of Avenum. The reduction in workforce raises concerns about the studio’s ability to continue supporting their existing and upcoming projects. Despite the challenges that come with downsizing, opportunities may arise for the laid-off employees in a thriving gaming industry. However, it is unfortunate to see talented individuals lose their jobs in an industry known for its volatility.
Hot Take: While the gaming industry can be unpredictable and layoffs are not uncommon, it is disheartening to see developers like Ascendant Studios face downsizing after a successful game release. Let’s hope the affected employees land on their feet and find new opportunities in the ever-expanding gaming landscape.
