Logo via XR Games / Key artwork via IO Interactive
Update (10/4/2024): In a statement to Game Developer, XR Games CEO Bobby Thandi confirmed layoffs are likely at the VR studio.
According to him, XR spent “many months” looking for alternate solutions to what he called “a challenging VR games market and a tough broader games landscape.” At the moment, XR is in the midst of a consultation process to determine next steps.
“Our priority during and after this process is to treat all team members with the utmost respect and care,” wrote Thandi. “Im heartbroken that were going to be losing some of our incredibly dedicated, talented and valued colleagues.
Thandi concluded his statement by reaffirming XR Games’ commitment to supporting Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded and releasing the upcoming titles Zombie Army VR and Starship Troopers: Continuum.
“We want to be able to develop innovative titles for many years to come, and well work to navigate this transition and shape the future of XR Games.”
Original story: Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded and Starship Troopers: Continuum developer XR Games has reportedly told a huge number of employees they could be laid off.
The news was shared and corroborated by a myriad of XR Games staffers on Linkedin, with many indicating the prospective layoffs are tied into “large-scale restructuring.”
Multiple employees state that 72 roles are currently at “risk of redundancy,” although others suggest they have already been laid off.
“Thanks to a massive restructuring at XR Games, I am one among a sea of people that has been informed that my role is at risk of redundancy,” said Joe Hopson, project lead and QA tester at XR Games.
XR Games environment artist Max Fitzgerald explained their role has been “included in the 72 which is at risk of redundancy,” while the studio’s head of IT, Daniel Drakett, indicated his “entire team” is in the same boat.
QA project lead, Tamara Whymark, said her future is also uncertain. “Ive just been made aware that my role of QA Project Lead is being made redundant at XR Games,” she wrote. “Multiple redundancies (72 to be exact) are taking place at the company. I know the games industry is hard at the moment but I also want to give support for all my colleagues, theyre some of the most talented people Ive ever met so please keep your eye out for them.”
XR Games’ website states it currently has “over 100 members of staff” and notes it has worked with major game and movie studios including Meta, PlayStation, Microsoft, and Sony Pictures.
The company has won numerous awards but recently apologized for the quality of Hitman 3 VR, which it said “has not met our own high expectations.” The studio pledged to continuesupporting and improving the title, which launched on September 5, 2024.
It’s unclear whether that sub-par release impacted the studio’s decision to restructure. Game Developer has reached out to XR Games for more information.
About the Author
News Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.
