Bungie isn’t the only dealing with game industry layoffs this week as Cryptic Studios, the developer behind Neverwinter and Star Trek Online, is dealing with a “reduction in workforce,” according to Game Industry.Biz.
Early word of layoffs at the studio first came from employees on LinkedIn, with Cryptic Studios writer and senior community manager Mike Fatum stating in a post that “many of the best people I know were let go.” One of those talents that were let go includes the developer’s now former narrative director, Winter Mullenix, who revealed on the site she is looking for work. The layoffs were officially commented on by a studio spokesperson who told that going forward, Cryptic Studios will now work under DECA Games.
“In addition to this organizational change, our commitment to Embracer’s directive to reduce costs requires us to undertake difficult personnel changes, including separating from some team members. Cryptic Studios will provide job assistance and support those impacted to smooth this transition. Cryptic remains dedicated to supporting its cornerstone free-to-play games and the communities behind them,” a Cryptic Studios spokesperson said.
The layoffs are not random but are part of a “grander” restructuring plan at Embracer Group, which started in June and is scheduled to conclude sometime in March 2024. In the past (almost five months, to name a few, some of the Embracer layoffs included Crystal Dynamics, Gearbox Publishing, and more, plus the studio shutdown of Volition Games after 30 years of service. Cryptic Studios was a subsidiary of Gearbox Entertainment, which Embracer Group is reportedly looking to sell the publisher to help the company deal more with its financial woes.
