Humble Games, a well-known indie publisher, has recently made the decision to lay off its entire staff of 36 employees. The news of the layoffs was shared by former employees on social media, sparking discussions within the gaming community. Humble Games, which is owned by media conglomerate Ziff Davis, did confirm the restructure but did not disclose the exact number of jobs lost.
Despite the significant layoffs, Humble Games assured the public that the company will not be shutting down. The ongoing and upcoming projects that were in the works will still be supported and published by the studio. This news comes amidst a wave of layoffs within the gaming industry, with many studios experiencing cuts over the past year.
Emilee Kieffer, a former lead quality assurance analyst at Humble Games, expressed her thoughts on the layoffs through a LinkedIn post. She highlighted the volatility of the games industry and the challenges faced by developers and teams in creating great games. The impact of these layoffs is significant, considering Humble Games’ contribution to the gaming market with nearly 50 video game releases, including popular titles like Slay the Spire, Unpacking, Wandersong, and Coral Island.
Additionally, Humble Games had several upcoming projects in the pipeline, such as Never Alone 2, which explores the mythology and stories of the indigenous Iñupiat people in Alaska. The decision to lay off the staff was described as a difficult one, made after careful consideration to ensure the stability and support of developers and ongoing projects.
It is important to note that Humble Games operates separately from the charity storefront Humble Bundle, which is also part of Ziff Davis but appears to be unaffected by the recent layoffs. As the gaming community awaits further updates on the situation, it is evident that the industry continues to face challenges and changes that impact both companies and individuals involved in game development.
As the gaming landscape evolves, it is crucial for companies to navigate these changes while prioritizing the well-being of their employees and the sustainability of their projects. The future of Humble Games and its impact on the indie gaming scene remain uncertain, but the resilience and creativity of developers and gaming enthusiasts offer hope for the industry’s continued growth and innovation.
