Amid a challenging period for the gaming industry, Bossa Studios, known for their quirky titles like Surgeon Simulator and Lost Skies, has faced significant layoffs. The UK-based developer reportedly laid off nearly a third of its employees, equating to 19 staff members. The studio, which now retains 40 employees, attributes these job cuts to a "perfect storm of events." These included a crowded release window of high-profile games, rising operational costs, and delays in funding decisions within the gaming industry. Bossa Studios' co-founder Henrique Olifiers expressed the emotional difficulty of the decision, especially as the affectees were close colleagues, and encouraged other studios to consider hiring those laid off.

Bossa Studios’ situation reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, which has seen widespread layoffs in 2023. High-profile companies such as Media Molecule, CD Projekt Red, Frontier Developments, Ubisoft, and Bungie all experienced job losses. Large corporations like Embracer Group, Epic Games, and Hasbro also reported significant layoffs, resulting in studio closures and a ‘soul crushing’ atmosphere across the sector. The article underscores the intensity of the current job market instability within the video game industry.

How can I support those affected by the recent video game industry layoffs?

You can support those affected by these layoffs by spreading awareness of their situation, networking to help them find new job opportunities, referring any open roles, or sometimes even supporting their personal projects or crowdfunding campaigns.

Surgeon Simulator, created by Bossa Studios, is a darkly humorous over-the-top operation sim game where players perform surgical procedures. It was originally released in 2013 and rapidly gained a following due to its challenging controls and comedic approach to surgeries. Bossa Studios has since been known for their alternative and innovative game designs, often pushing the boundaries of conventional gaming.