Kate Mills
Nov 15, 2023
The gaming realm faces yet another wave of staff reductions, as Digital Bros, the parent company of 505 Games, unveils plans to slash approximately 30% of its workforce. The company justifies this decision by asserting that consumer demand predominantly favours sequels and remastered editions over fresh gaming experiences, prompting a strategic shift.
In a statement, Digital Bros acknowledged the changing landscape accelerated by the pandemic, noting that gamers exhibit a stronger inclination towards established franchises, engaging with these titles for prolonged durations. Consequently, the company intends to refocus its efforts on producing sequels and revamped versions of previously successful games, with fewer investments allocated to ambitious new projects.
"To uphold our commitment to delivering top-notch, enduring titles, Digital Bros will reassess its ongoing projects, realigning our organisational structure to suit the shifting competitive environment better," the company emphasised.
Although Digital Bros might not be a prominent name in the gaming sphere, its ownership encompasses several recognisable studios including 505 Games, DR Studios, Kunos Simulazioni, and others. While titles like Control, Death Stranding, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night have contributed to its portfolio, the absence of a consistently recurring flagship series remains a challenge.
The company's struggle to establish a dependable series for sequels is apparent. While 505 Games has seen successes like Journey to the Savage Planet, it also grapples with less-favourable releases such as Crime Boss: Rockay City. The decision to streamline operations may affect its experimentation-oriented approach, with an apparent concession that gamers opt for familiarity over diverse gaming experiences.
Although Digital Bros refrained from disclosing the exact employee counts affected by the layoffs, the significant reduction casts a shadow over its studios. The majority of these cuts are anticipated within the development units. Further queries directed at Digital Bros for additional insights into this restructuring remain pending.
