Avalanche Studios Faces Layoffs Amidst Industry Downsizing

Shutting Down New York and Montreal Offices, 50 Jobs Affected

NEWS  Games  June 4, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

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Avalanche Studios has announced the closure of two of its five offices and the resulting layoffs of about 50 employees, which accounts for roughly nine percent of its workforce.

 

Office Closures and Workforce Reductions

Avalanche Studios disclosed in a blog post that it will be closing its New York and Montreal locations. This decision comes just months after the company acquired the Montreal office in October 2023 as part of its purchase of Monster Closet, a firm established in 2021. Despite these closures, Avalanche will continue operations from its offices in Sweden and Liverpool, UK.

Official Statement on the Layoffs

In its announcement, Avalanche Studios expressed the difficulty of this decision:

"This is an exceptionally difficult decision, but we believe it’s necessary to ensure a stable and sustainable future for the company. Our focus is now on supporting all Avalanchers through this challenging time. We’re grateful for the invaluable contributions of those leaving and remain committed to creating incredible gaming experiences for our players."

Avalanche Studios: A Storied Developer

Since its inception in 2003, Avalanche Studios has gained recognition for its work on the Just Cause series, a highly regarded collection of open-world action games. The studio has also developed other notable titles such as Rage 2 for id Software and Bethesda Softworks, and a game based on the Mad Max film series. Additionally, its Expansive Worlds division has produced The Hunter series of first-person hunting games.

Upcoming Projects and Uncertainties

In June 2021, Microsoft revealed plans to publish "Contraband", a co-op action game set in the 1970s and developed by Avalanche Studios.

Despite the initial excitement, there has been little to no information released about the game's progress or release date, leaving fans eagerly waiting for updates.

Industry-Wide Impacts

Avalanche Studios' recent layoffs reflect a broader trend in the video game industry, where economic pressures and shifting market conditions are forcing many companies to downsize. The studio's emphasis on supporting affected employees during this transition is commendable, as is its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences.

  

 IMAGES CREDITS: AVALANCHE STUDIOS