SEGA to axe 240 staff, as Company of Heroes dev Relic goes indie
Mar 28, 2024 10:33 AMSEGA is set to undergo significant staff reductions, with 240 employees facing layoffs across various studios such as Creative Assembly, SEGA Europe, and Hardlight. This corporate restructuring follows recent industry trends of workforce downsizing as seen with major publishers like Microsoft and PlayStation. Company of Heroes creator Relic Entertainment is also departing from SEGA to pursue its future as an independent studio, a decision supported by SEGA amidst the ongoing organizational changes. The gaming community has seen a series of such layoffs and sales over the year, reflecting the industry's response to the current economic environment and changing market demands. As for Relic Entertainment, they have committed to maintain their game support, particularly for Company of Heroes 3, expecting new content and features in their forthcoming 1.6 update. These shifts within SEGA and its studios mark a notable change in the industry's landscape, with implications for its various franchises and employees.
How will the layoffs at SEGA and the sale of Relic Entertainment impact the development of games like Company of Heroes?The transition period for Relic Entertainment is designed to be smooth, with promises of continued support for their games, including update 1.6 for Company of Heroes 3. While layoffs can impact development due to reduced staff, it seems Relic is setting the stage to proceed independently with the aid of an external investor to ensure ongoing game updates and support.
Background Information:
Company of Heroes is a renowned series of real-time strategy games set during World War II. Developed by Relic Entertainment, the first installment was released in 2006 and was critically acclaimed for its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive wartime narrative. The franchise has since become a staple in the RTS genre, developing a loyal fan base eagerly awaiting new updates and expansions. The recent news of Relic Entertainment becoming an independent studio, along with the continued development and support for the latest entry in the series, Company of Heroes 3, is welcomed by the community which values the franchise's historical accuracy, strategic depth, and engaging single-player campaigns.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-03-28 10:54:02
The transition of Relic Entertainment to an independent studio, supported by SEGA, reflects a positive approach to maintaining game support and updates for titles like Company of Heroes 3. While staff reductions at SEGA may bring challenges, it's reassuring to see a commitment to the continued development of one of the gaming community's beloved franchises.
Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-03-28 10:42:05
The departure of Relic Entertainment from SEGA and the upcoming staff reductions certainly raise questions about the future of Company of Heroes. However, with the studio committed to ongoing game support and the promise of updates for Company of Heroes 3, it's reassuring to see a smooth transition on the horizon, ensuring a continuation of the beloved franchise's development and maintenance. It'll be interesting to see how this shift impacts the game's community and potential future releases.
