Deck Nine, the esteemed developer behind the critically acclaimed title Life is Strange: True Colours, has made headlines once again, but this time for unfortunate reasons. In an announcement made on Twitter, the studio revealed that it has laid off 20% of its workforce, citing “worsening market conditions” as the primary factor behind this decision. This move comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing industry redundancies that have been plaguing the gaming sector in recent times.
Life is Strange: True Colours, released in 2021, was hailed as a significant return to form for the beloved franchise, showcasing Deck Nine’s prowess in storytelling and character development. Having previously worked on the prequel Life is Strange: Before the Storm, the studio assumed full creative control over the series after the departure of Don’t Nod Entertainment. Despite the critical success of True Colours, the landscape of the gaming industry has shifted significantly since its release.
The confirmation of layoffs by Deck Nine Games underscores the challenging circumstances faced by developers in the current market. The studio expressed gratitude towards the affected employees, describing them as “amazing, talented, and awesome developers” while also encouraging other studios to consider hiring them. This gesture echoes sentiments expressed by other industry players, such as Larian Studios, which recently urged laid-off developers to apply for positions within their company.
This recent round of layoffs marks the second instance of workforce reduction within Deck Nine Games in less than a year. In May 2023, the company let go of 30 staff members prior to the release of The Expanse: The Telltale Series, a collaborative project with Telltale Games. Despite the commercial success of Life is Strange: True Colours, Deck Nine has found itself unable to evade the pervasive issue of industry-wide layoffs.
The repercussions of these developments extend beyond the confines of Deck Nine Games, casting uncertainty over the future of the Life is Strange franchise. With a diminished workforce, questions arise regarding the studio’s capacity to deliver future instalments with the same level of quality and creativity.
The gaming industry at large is grappling with a wave of layoffs, with distressing news emerging on a daily basis. Recent reports of significant cutbacks at PlayStation, including the closure of its London studio and the cancellation of an unannounced Twisted Metal reboot, further highlight the severity of the situation. The announcement from Deck Nine Games serves as yet another reminder of the challenges faced by developers in an increasingly volatile market.
As the industry navigates through these turbulent times, there remains a glimmer of hope that affected individuals will find new opportunities within the ever-evolving landscape of game development. Nevertheless, the road ahead appears fraught with challenges, and the true extent of its impact on both developers and gaming enthusiasts alike remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the recent layoffs announced by Deck Nine Games shed light on the harsh realities confronting the gaming industry. Despite the continued success of titles such as Life is Strange: True Colours, developers are not immune to the challenges posed by shifting market dynamics. As the industry grapples with uncertainty, solidarity and support for affected individuals remain paramount in shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for game development.
