The gaming industry has recently witnessed a surprising turn of events. Just weeks after the launch of Luna Abyssa critically acclaimed cosmic horror shooterthe entire development team at Kwalee Labs has been laid off. This news, announced by CEO Hollie Emery on LinkedInhas sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
The game, which hit the market on May 21st, 2026received generally positive feedback from both the public and critics. However, the team’s journey came to an abrupt end on Monday, June 16thwhen the entire staff of nine was declared redundant. Emery stated that the decision was “completely outside of our control” leaving many to speculate about the underlying reasons.
The Journey of Luna Abyss
Luna Abyss is a unique blend of horror cosmico and first-person shooter mechanics, with a strong emphasis on bullet hell gameplay and mobility. Players take on the role of a prisoner exploring a derelict mega-structure beneath the surface of a moon. The game’s atmospheric setting and challenging gameplay have garnered praise from critics and players alike.
The game is available on PlayStation 5Xbox Series X and Sand PCand has achieved an impressive 81 critics’ score on Metacritic. Despite its success, the team behind the game has been left in limbo, searching for new opportunities in the industry.
A Message from the CEO
In her LinkedIn post, Emery expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments and the positive reception of Luna Abyss. “We’re enamoured by the love and support it received both by our industry and critically by journalists and media,” she wrote. “Whilst we faced many challenges along the way, it has been the highlight of our careers – and we are incredibly proud that Luna Abyss has finally seen the light of day (thank you to everyone who believed in us!).”
The post also included a list of the affected team members, highlighting their expertise and contributions to the game. The team, composed of talented individuals with backgrounds in environment artnarrative designcharacter artgame designand technical developmentis now seeking new opportunities in the gaming industry.
The Impact on the Gaming Industry
The layoffs at Kwalee Labs come at a time of significant change in the gaming industry. The news follows rumors that Xbox has placed at least three of its studios on notice for potential closure or spin-off. This tumultuous period highlights the challenges faced by creatives in the games industry, where success does not always guarantee job security.
Despite the setback, the team behind Luna Abyss has left a lasting impact on the gaming community. Their work on the critically acclaimed game serves as a testament to their talent and dedication. As the industry continues to evolve, the story of Kwalee Labs and Luna Abyss will undoubtedly be remembered as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of game development.
