Ghost of Yotei developer Sucker Punch reportedly cuts 26 jobs amid market pressures
PlayStation-owned developer Sucker Punch has reportedly laid off 26 workers, according to reporting by Aftermath citing a former employee and an internal email. Studio leadership attributed the staff reductions to industry challenges and the requirements of an unannounced next game, despite the strong sales performance of Ghost of Yotei.
Key points
- Sucker Punch reportedly laid off 26 workers following industry challenges and project needs.
- Ghost of Yotei previously sold 3.3m copies roughly a month after its launch.
- Studio leadership stated more details regarding the future would be shared following the cuts.
What happened
PlayStation-owned developer Sucker Punch has reportedly cut 26 jobs, according to Aftermath citing a former employee and an internal email seen by the publication. Studio leadership blamed the layoffs on industry challenges and the needs of an unannounced upcoming project.
Context
The layoffs arrive despite the commercial success of Sucker Punch's recent open world sequel, Ghost of Yotei, which sold 3.3m copies about a month after launch. Sony previously reported that the title exceeded the sales of its predecessor in the same timeframe.
What is next
Studio leadership indicated that further details regarding the future of the developer would be discussed with staff in the week following the announcement.
Why it matters
The reported layoffs at Sucker Punch highlight ongoing industry pressures affecting prominent gaming studios even following major commercial success.
What we know
- Sucker Punch reportedly laid off 26 workers, according to Aftermath citing a former employee and internal email.
- Studio leadership attributed the reductions to market challenges and project needs.
- Ghost of Yotei sold 3.3m copies about a month after launch.
What remains unclear
- Specific details about the studio's unannounced next game remain undisclosed.
- The full long term structural impact of the staffing cuts on future projects is uncertain.
