In a recent update on May 29th, 2024, Take-Two CEO mentioned that Intercept Games and Roll7 have not been shut down but hinted at possible layoffs in the near future. According to a LinkedIn update from a senior programmer at Intercept Games working on Kerbal Space Program 2, employees will be let go by June 28th. The message stated, “The team at Intercept Games will be laid off as of June 28th so a great group will be out and about looking for their new roles.” It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the studios and the projects they were working on.
Following a report by Bloomberg earlier in May, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has clarified that the company has not closed down Intercept Games and Roll7. Zelnick emphasized that Take-Two is constantly evaluating its release schedule across all studios to ensure financial viability, especially in the midst of a cost reduction program. The CEO stated, “We are always looking at our release schedule across all of our studios to make sure that it makes sense. So we are being very judicious because we are in the middle of a cost reduction program that we’ve already concluded and are now fully rolling out.” However, there seems to be some ambiguity in the response, with Take-Two’s PR team providing additional clarification.
Bloomberg’s report highlighted the closure of Private Division and Roll7, as well as the potential job losses at Intercept Games. The documentation reviewed by Bloomberg indicated that Take-Two Interactive Software is planning to shut down these studios. The closure of London-based Roll7, known for titles like OlliOlli and Rollerdrome, was confirmed in a note to staff. Similarly, the notice filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department revealed the closure of Intercept Games in Seattle and the elimination of 70 jobs. This news has unfortunately become a part of a larger trend within the games industry this year.
Continuing Job Loss Crisis in the Games Industry
This latest wave of layoffs at Intercept Games and Roll7 adds to the growing number of job losses in the games industry this year. Reports of mass layoffs at major companies like Microsoft and Sony, as well as project cancellations at smaller studios, have become all too common. The uncertainty faced by employees in the industry is reflective of the challenges and shifts occurring within the market. It is crucial for companies to prioritize their workforce and ensure transparency in their decision-making processes.
The ongoing job loss crisis in the games industry is a concerning trend that continues to impact studios and employees alike. The closure of studios like Intercept Games and Roll7, as reported by Bloomberg, underscores the challenges faced by developers and the need for support during tumultuous times. As the industry evolves and adapts to changing landscapes, it is essential for companies to prioritize their workforce and navigate these transitions with empathy and fairness.
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