Sucker Punch lays off 24 to align with ‘current market’, ’next project needs’
Sucker Punch Productions, the Sony-owned developer of Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yōtei, has laid off 24 employees—approximately 10 percent of its estimated 190-230 staff. The cuts were announced via internal email, which cited both ongoing market challenges and alignment with the studio’s next project as reasons for the reduction.
According to the email obtained by Aftermath, leadership stated: “After carefully observing the challenges in the market and reviewing the team needs for our next project, we’ve decided to make some staffing reductions.” The company assured remaining staff that the decision was not made lightly and that “several positions across Sucker Punch will be eliminated as a result.”
The layoffs come shortly after the launch of Ghost of Yōtei: Complete Edition, which has sold millions of copies and been both a critical and commercial success. The timing highlights a broader trend in the gaming industry where even successful titles and studios are subject to workforce reductions amid market volatility. This is the latest in a series of layoffs affecting the gaming industry as studios navigate post-pandemic market conditions and adjust their portfolios for upcoming projects.
Sources
- Sucker Punch lays off 24 to align with ‘current market’, ’next project needs’
- Sucker Punch Productions reportedly lays off 24 employees following launch of Ghost of Yōtei: Complete Edition
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