A gaming CEO just said ‘We’ve been a little bit too romantic about the idea that we should have employees and give people long-term job security’, and doesn’t that sum up everything wrong with the industry right now
Ustwo Games CEO Maria Sayans sparked industry criticism at London Games Fest after making controversial remarks about the studio’s employment philosophy. In an interview with Game Developer, Sayans stated that the company has “been a little bit too romantic about the idea that we should have employees and give people long-term job security,” describing the studio’s current approach as unsustainable.
The comments come amid reports that Netflix has removed Monument Valley 3 from its platform, signaling a strategic shift for the independent studio. Sayans’ remarks suggest the company is reconsidering its commitment to maintaining a permanent workforce, potentially moving toward a more flexible or project-based employment model. She indicated that games like Alba and Assemble With Care would need to be developed with significantly reduced budgets under the studio’s revised strategy.
The CEO’s statement has drawn backlash from those within the gaming community who view it as emblematic of broader industry trends toward workforce instability and reduced job security. The remarks raise questions about how independent studios balance creative ambitions with financial sustainability, and whether moving away from stable employment represents the only viable path forward for development teams.