In a recent turn of events, Telltale Games, the renowned video game studio behind hits like “The Wolf Among Us” and “The Walking Dead” episodic series, has reportedly laid off a significant portion of its workforce. This move comes amidst a series of layoffs that have been affecting the gaming industry at large.
Key Highlights:
- Telltale Games confirms layoffs, with a former employee revealing that most of the team was let go in September.
- The layoffs follow similar trends in the gaming industry, with companies like Naughty Dog, Blizzard, Epic Games, and Twitch also facing staff reductions.
- Telltale’s much-anticipated “The Wolf Among Us 2” has been pushed to 2024.
- The company cites current market conditions as the reason for the layoffs but assures that projects in development remain in production.
- Calls for unionization in the gaming industry grow louder.
A Closer Look at the Layoffs:
Telltale Games has been a significant player in the episodic gaming segment, with its titles garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, like many in the industry, it hasn’t been immune to the financial pressures that have been mounting on video game studios.
A former Telltale Games employee, Jonah Huang, took to social media to share that he, along with most of his colleagues, were laid off in September. This revelation was soon followed by an official statement from Telltale Games. The company attributed the layoffs to “current market conditions” but was quick to add that its ongoing projects are still in production.
The Wolf Among Us 2: What Lies Ahead?
One of the most anticipated titles from Telltale Games has been “The Wolf Among Us 2.” Initially announced at the Game Awards in 2019, the game was scheduled for a 2023 release. However, in a March announcement, Telltale Games shared that the release would be pushed to 2024. The delay was attributed to the need for additional time to transition from Unreal Engine 4 to 5. Telltale’s CEO, Jamie Ottilie, was at the forefront of this announcement.
Interestingly, just weeks before the layoffs, Telltale Games had acquired UK-based studio Flavourworks. The specifics of how this acquisition ties into the company’s current situation remain unclear.
The Call for Unionization:
The layoffs at Telltale Games have reignited discussions about the need for unionization in the gaming industry. Jonah Huang, in his revelation about the layoffs, emphasized the importance of unionizing for better conditions and security in the industry. He also urged gaming industry employees to participate in a survey about their rates and working conditions.
Summary:
Telltale Games’ recent layoffs highlight the challenges faced by the gaming industry. With market conditions cited as a primary reason, it’s evident that even established players are not immune to the industry’s volatility. As projects remain in production and the fate of anticipated titles hangs in the balance, the call for better working conditions and unionization in the gaming industry becomes even more pertinent.
