Candy Crush maker King on AI use, layoffs, workplace culture – and the competition
King, the developer behind Candy Crush Saga, faced scrutiny regarding its operations following last summer’s significant workforce reduction and ongoing workplace culture concerns. Vice President and head of live operations Eva Ryott spoke at GDC about the “Art and Science of Evergreen Games,” discussing how to maintain live-service titles like Candy Crush Saga—one of the industry’s largest games—over extended periods.
The company’s layoffs affected approximately 200 employees last summer, with investigations suggesting that AI tools may be replacing some positions previously held by laid-off staff members. Former employees have alleged that the very AI systems they helped build are now performing roles that once required human workers.
Additionally, reports have documented allegations of toxic workplace culture at King, including claims of problematic leadership, ineffective ethics oversight, and declining employee morale. These workplace issues have contributed to multiple lawsuits related to the layoffs, adding another layer of scrutiny to the studio.
Despite these challenges, King continues to focus on sustaining Candy Crush Saga through live operations and ongoing content updates, with leadership emphasizing their expertise in maintaining evergreen games in an increasingly competitive mobile gaming landscape.