Studio founded by former Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes GM lays off staff
Azra Games, the studio founded by Mark Otero—a veteran who previously served as general manager of EA Capital Games and BioWare—has announced significant staff reductions less than two years after securing a $42 million Series A investment round.
The studio confirmed the news in a statement, explaining that staffing levels were realigned following a shift in priorities. According to the announcement, the team was previously sized for “a heavy production phase” but is now transitioning to “a more focused period of device expansion, optimization, and polish.”
Azra Games was established in 2022 with an initial $15 million seed funding round, focusing on developing “best-in-class” collectible and combat RPGs leveraging blockchain technology. The studio’s oversubscribed Series A round in 2024 appeared to signal strong momentum and investor confidence. However, the rapid transition to a reduced workforce suggests the studio is recalibrating its approach amid shifting market conditions or internal development priorities.
The layoffs reflect broader challenges within the gaming industry, where many studios—particularly those pursuing emerging technologies or ambitious funding rounds—have faced significant workforce reductions. The shift from production-focused hiring to optimization and polish indicates Azra Games may be extending its development timeline or reassessing its product roadmap.