Phoenix Labs, the renowned developers behind Fae Farm and Dauntless, have recently made the difficult choice to lay off 34 employees after conducting an internal review. This unfortunate event marks the end of a tumultuous year for the Canadian studio, as they regained their independence from previous owner Garena earlier this year. In addition, they had to let go of 9% of their workforce back in May. The company’s representative confirmed the news on LinkedIn after employees broke the story, stating, “After a rigorous review, we made the decision to restructure our support teams, resulting in a reduction of our workforce in various departments such as publishing, HR, IT, and shared services.”
Despite the layoffs, Phoenix Labs assures fans that their games teams remain unaffected, and development on both Fae Farm’s downloadable content (DLC) and Dauntless updates continues as planned. They even hint at exciting unannounced projects in the pipeline, suggesting that the studio is not allowing these setbacks to hinder their creativity and determination.
The Evolution of Dauntless
Dauntless, which emerged from beta testing in 2019, has been described as a more streamlined version of Monster Hunter. The game offers players an experience with less emphasis on grinding for resources and focuses more on the thrill of the hunt. In September, Alice B praised Dauntless for its accessibility, stating that it is “slightly easier, in ways that seem small but cumulatively mean it takes up way less of your brain’s runtime on bad days.”
In a similar vein, Fae Farm offers a unique twist to the popular farming simulation genre, drawing comparisons to Stardew Valley. However, it aims to be more user-friendly and less demanding, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed. The game’s DLC, Coasts of Croakia, is set to be released on December 14th, promising further content and updates for fans to look forward to.
While the news of layoffs is disheartening, Phoenix Labs justified the decision by emphasizing the importance of success and sustainability. They explained that these measures are crucial for the company to focus on fewer development projects, ensuring that each one receives the necessary attention and resources. Phoenix Labs is not alone in facing such challenges, as other studios have also resorted to reducing their workforce this year. Fishlabs, the developer of Chorus, experienced a similar situation, with Embracer cutting around 50 positions just last week. The industry continues to evolve, and studios must adapt to the changing landscape while striving to provide opportunities for growth and success.
As we reflect on the recent developments at Phoenix Labs, we extend our best wishes to all those affected by the layoffs. The contributions of these individuals in shaping the studio’s identity and achievements will be missed, but their impact on Phoenix Labs will resonate and influence their future endeavors. The gaming industry is resilient, and with the dedication and talent of developers like Phoenix Labs, we remain hopeful for their continued success.
Leave a Reply