Deck Nine Faces Additional Layoffs Amid Ongoing Industry Challenges

After a reduction of 20% of its workforce earlier in 2024, Deck Nine has now announced additional layoffs as the year comes to a close. In a communication shared on X/Twitter, the CEO of Deck Nine Games mentioned that they would have to part ways with several talented team members, although he did not clarify the total count of staff members who would be impacted.

The decision has been described as exceedingly difficult and is a reflection of the challenging conditions that various companies in the gaming sector are currently experiencing. Acknowledgment was given to the hard work, passion, and commitment of the individuals dedicated to creating transformative entertainment.

Deck Nine, known for its contributions to the the Life Is Strange franchise, featuring Before the Storm and True Colors, alongside The Expanse: A Telltale Series, received favorable critiques for Double Exposure, which was launched at the end of October. However, the studio has faced several internal issues before today’s layoffs, including concerns about toxicity and excessive workload, as documented in previous reports.

Earlier this year, the studio had around 100 to 130 employees. After a round of layoffs in February and approximately 30 job cuts in May 2023, the current number of team members remaining is uncertain. Additionally, the original developer of Life Is Strange, Don't Nod, has also experienced layoffs this October after scrapping two projects as part of a reorganization.

Sadly, Deck Nine’s announcement is merely the most recent in a succession of layoffs reverberating through the gaming industry as 2024 closes. Recently, Ubisoft disclosed plans to shut down two production studios and reduce its workforce by 277 employees in the process.

As the environment remains tumultuous, it is evident that the gaming world is navigating a period filled with difficult challenges and decisions.