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It’s a tough time for Don’t Nod, the studio behind some beloved titles, as news breaks of layoffs at their Montreal office. This comes just under a year after they hit pause on two upcoming games, a decision driven by the disappointing performance of their recent releases. The layoffs, confirmed through social media by those affected, highlight the ongoing struggles within the gaming industry.
Who and What: The Layoffs
Reports are surfacing that an undisclosed number of developers were let go from Don’t Nod’s Montreal studio. While there was no formal announcement, impacted employees took to LinkedIn to share their experiences. Mary Pouliot, a principal cinematic artist, expressed her shock, saying, “Today, I was part of the layoff wave at Don’t Nod Montréal. It came to me as a real shock. I did not anticipate that this morning when waking up and going to the studio.”
Other voices were heard too, including senior game designer Mathieu Tremblay and lead QA Sandra Cormier, who remarked, “I will never stop saying how much I am proud of my colleagues.” This sentiment captures the emotional weight of these layoffs, affecting not just those who were let go but also the remaining team members who have weathered significant challenges together.
When and Where: Context of the Cuts
These cuts come on the heels of Don’t Nod’s decision to halt development on two projects after the lackluster performance of titles like Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Despite garnering positive reviews, these games fell short of sales expectations. Less than a year ago, the studio announced a temporary pause on these titles, revealing the financial strains they were facing.
In response to the layoffs, the Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV), a union representing video game workers, reported that nine employees were laid off, with seven others facing temporary suspension. The union criticized the management at Don’t Nod, calling their decisions “catastrophic” and urging for better organization among workers in the gaming industry.
Why This Matters: Industry Implications
These layoffs at Don’t Nod are not just an isolated incident; they reflect a troubling trend in the gaming industry where financial pressures and project failures are becoming all too common. The STJV emphasized the critical need for unionization, pointing out that their efforts in France have led to better outcomes for laid-off workers. “In France, the union fight succeeded in drastically limiting the number of layoffs and in obtaining acceptable departure conditions,” they highlighted.
The gaming industry is notorious for its volatility, and these recent layoffs serve as a stark reminder that even well-established studios are not shielded from economic realities. As the landscape continues to shift, supporting those affected and advocating for improved working conditions will be more important than ever. How can we ensure that the voices of these workers are heard and that the industry learns from these challenges?