Yet again, I’m reporting on studio closures and developer layoffs in the midst of what have been some of the most tumultuous years in the gaming industry’s history.
The latest cuts come from Sony, the creator of the PlayStation brand and the company that oversees its first-party game projects. Specifically, the firm is shutting down two studios — mobile game developer Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios — with the former’s unannounced action game and the latter’s unsuccessful hero shooter Concord both cancelled and sunset permanently.
An internal email from Sony Interactive Entertainment Herman Hulst to employees published publicly reveals that Neon Koi is being shuttered as part of an approach to “concentrate on titles that are in-line with PlayStation Studios’ pedigree and have the potential to reach more players globally.” The decision to close Firewalk and retire Concord, meanwhile, came after Sony “spent considerable time these past few months exploring all our options” and came to the conclusion that there wasn’t a better path forward.
While it sounds like a number of developers from both studios will inevitably be let go as a result of these closures, the email does indicate Sony will attempt to move workers to other PlayStation teams “where possible.”
“I know none of this is easy news to hear, particularly with colleagues and friends departing SIE. Both decisions were given serious thought, and ultimately, we feel they are the right ones to strengthen the organization,” wrote Hulst. “Neon Koi and Firewalk were home to many talented individuals, and we will work to find placement for some of those impacted within our global community of studios where possible.”
Developing…
