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Outplay Entertainment, the developer behind games like “Subway Surfers Blast,” has recently laid off 21 employees as part of a restructuring effort. Here’s a detailed report on the situation:
Overview of the Layoffs
- Date: The layoffs occurred in early June 2025.
- Number of Employees Affected: 21 employees were impacted across various departments.
- Reason for Layoffs: The company is restructuring to focus on partnering with publishers for future game releases, aligning with “current business realities.”
- Company Statement: Outplay CEO Douglas Hare confirmed the job cuts, expressing gratitude to the affected employees for their contributions and stating that the company is providing support during the transition.
Company Background
- Based in: Dundee, Scotland.
- Position: Claims to be the largest independent mobile game studio in the UK.
- Games Developed: Known for developing games such as “Gordon Ramsay’s Chef Blast,” “Subway Surfers Blast,” “Angry Birds Pop,” and “Mystery Match Village,” in collaboration with partners like Sybo and Rovio.
- Founding: Established in 2010.
- Achievements: Their games have surpassed 100 million downloads and have received recognition such as Apple’s Editors’ Choice awards and a BAFTA nomination.
Strategic Shift
- Focus on Publishing Partnerships: Outplay Entertainment is shifting its strategy towards partnering with publishers for upcoming game releases.
- Reasoning: This move is intended to align the company’s operations with current business conditions and support future game releases.
Previous Restructuring
- 2019: Outplay considered cutting 20 to 30 jobs to concentrate on games with high potential.
- Objective: To refine and focus product investment on a smaller number of live titles with the greatest potential.
Industry Context
- Mass Layoffs in the Gaming Industry: The video game industry has experienced significant layoffs in the early to mid-2020s, with a peak in January 2024.
- Figures: More than 10,500 jobs were lost in 2023, and an additional 14,600 jobs were lost in 2024.
- Contributing Factors:
* The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased interest in gaming and rapid expansion, which proved unsustainable.
* The industry began to slow in 2022 due to spiraling costs and changing consumer habits.
* Geopolitical factors such as licensing freezes in China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine also played a role.
Other Companies Affected
- Playtika: Recently laid off up to 160 employees across its “Best Fiends” and “Redecor” teams.
- Wooga: Conducted layoffs related to the cancellation of “Claire’s Chronicles: Solitaire.”
- Riot Games: Announced a restructuring that led to the layoff of 530 employees.
- NetEase: Confirmed cuts to its Seattle-based design team for “Marvel Rivals.”
Impact and Reactions
- Industry-Wide Concern: The layoffs have sparked concern and discussion within the video game development community.
- Response to “Marvel Rivals” Layoffs: The gaming community reacted with shock and anger, especially given the game’s success.
- Statements from Affected Employees: Affected employees have taken to platforms like LinkedIn to share their experiences and seek new opportunities.
Conclusion: Navigating a Shifting Landscape
The recent layoffs at Outplay Entertainment reflect a broader trend of restructuring and recalibration within the mobile gaming industry. As companies adapt to evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences, strategic shifts such as focusing on publishing partnerships and narrowing product investment have become increasingly common. While these decisions are undoubtedly difficult, they underscore the need for companies to remain agile and responsive in a rapidly changing environment. For the talented individuals affected by these layoffs, the industry-wide support and collaborative spirit will be crucial in helping them find new opportunities and continue contributing to the vibrant world of game development.