Outright Games Streamlines Operations with Staff Reductions: What This Means for the Future

Outright Games, a UK-based publisher known for creating family-friendly titles like Barbie and Paw Patrol, has announced it will cut 27 positions across its teams in the UK and Spain. This decision aims to keep the company aligned with current market trends.

Departments affected include marketing, production, creative, quality assurance, and OG Labs. The company stated, “After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to begin a redundancy process. These choices were not taken lightly, and we are committed to supporting our colleagues through this transition.”

This round of layoffs comes just four months after Outright’s developer, Aheartfulofgames, announced cuts that impacted 28 staff members, largely due to a leadership shift that led to a focus on low-cost projects.

Interestingly, these layoffs follow Outright’s merger into the Roundtable Interactive Group, which includes other studios like Auroch Digital and GameMill Entertainment. This move is led by CEO Robin Flodin, a veteran with experience in the gaming industry. Roundtable is financially supported by EMK Capital.

The gaming industry has been facing challenges lately. In just the past year, companies like Avalanche and Crystal Dynamics have also reported layoffs. Avalanche closed its Liverpool studio, affecting 31 jobs, while Crystal Dynamics announced three rounds of cuts totaling 30 positions. These layoffs highlight a troubling trend in the industry, as companies adapt to shifting market conditions.

Recent reports indicate that between 2021 and 2023, the gaming sector has seen a significant increase in restructurings and layoffs, with a study suggesting that over 10,000 jobs were affected globally. As people engage more with games, whether through consoles or mobile devices, the competitive landscape becomes even tougher, often leading to such tough decisions.

As the gaming world evolves, it’s crucial for companies to adapt swiftly. Outright’s move reflects a wider pattern in the industry, where many are reassessing their strategies to ensure long-term sustainability amidst ongoing challenges.

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