Video games are great, although some projects are more expensive than expected. If a game does not meet sales expectations, it directly affects the studio that makes games in the first place. Sadly it looks like Mafia 3 developer Hangar 13 have been affected by some pretty big layoffs.
The sad news was confirmed earlier today by Kotaku. 2K left the following statement: “2K can confirm that there have been staff reductions at Hangar 13 in order to ensure that the studio’s resources are properly aligned with its long-term development plans.
These reductions will not influence 2K’s ability to create and deliver its products that are currently in development. We never take these matters lightly, and are working with the affected employees to support them and explore potential opportunities throughout our organisation“.
No specific number has been revealed on how many people have been let go, although Kotaku notes that it’s a pretty big chunk of Hangar 13.
Even though Mafia 13 managed to ship over 5 million copies so far, the reviews were pretty average thanks to the game getting released with glitches and other issues. As of 2016, Hangar 13 had 150 employees so this number is obviously expected to drop with today’s layoffs.
Hopefully employees that have been affected by the layoffs are able to find work in the gaming industry again. AAA game studios aren’t the only place to work in now as several indie studios have seen success in the recent years thanks to innovative and fun looking video games.