The developer behind Fifa World Cup - which launched less than two months ago - has laid off 85% of its staff

Refractor Games has laid off approximately 85 percent of its staff, roughly two months after releasing FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition exclusively on Netflix. Studio co-founder Nathan Burba confirmed the layoffs to GamesBeat, affecting around 80 employees, with cuts taking effect on Friday, July 31. Departing staff received no severance pay.

The timing presents a stark contrast to Netflix’s earlier assessment of the game. While the streaming platform had publicly labeled the June 11 release as a successful title, co-owner Delphi Interactive subsequently withdrew funding for the studio, effectively shutting down operations. According to art director Barclay Chantel, who announced the closure on LinkedIn, Delphi “pulled the plug” immediately following the game’s launch.

FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition was an officially licensed title that, while not achieving critical acclaim, had been designated a success by Netflix management as part of the platform’s expanding games catalog. The swift studio dissolution mere weeks after release raises questions about the sustainability of Netflix’s game development strategy and the viability of smaller studios dependent on publisher backing. The layoffs have left developers searching for new employment opportunities, with former staff using social media to network within the industry.

The developer behind Fifa World Cup - which launched less than two months ago - has laid off 85% of its staff

Sources