The Swedish company Thunderful, known for the popular SteamWorld series, has announced a new restructuring plan that will result in additional layoffs. This is already the second wave of layoffs in 2024 for this company, which is responsible for games like SteamWorld Heist 2, The Gunk, and Lost in Random.
The video game industry in 2024 has been hit by numerous layoffs. Microsoft announced a reduction in jobs in the Xbox department in September, while the studio Don't Nod, creator of the game Life is Strange, also went through a wave of layoffs in October. Many studios, such as Firewalk Studios, have closed their doors.
According to a report from GamesIndustry.biz, Thunderful has announced that the new wave of restructuring will threaten up to 100 jobs, including administrative and managerial positions, both in Sweden and in other countries. The first wave of layoffs in 2024 affected 20% of the company's employees. Although SteamWorld Heist 2 received positive reviews, Thunderful has failed to achieve its planned revenues.
Focus on Publishing Third-Party Games
Thunderful's CEO, Martin Walfisz, stated that the goal of the restructuring is to reduce fixed costs, increase flexibility, and better manage cash flows. The company's focus will now be on publishing games from external partners. However, it is still unclear how these changes will affect upcoming games like SteamWorld Headhunter.
As layoffs continue to hit the industry, 2024 is particularly challenging – with over 13,000 jobs lost so far. The reason lies in a combination of highly profitable games and corporate restrictions, which this year's Game Developers Conference director of Baldur's Gate 3, Swen Vincke, described as "corporate greed."
Thunderful continues to leave fans wondering – can the company recover from these challenges and maintain its creative momentum?
