3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks Suffer a Second Round of Layoffs at Embracer’s Hands

Embracer-owned studio 3D Realms has been hit with a second round of layoffs following an initial slew of job cuts just before the holidays. This time around, several members of staff such as 3D artists, Creative Producers, and more were let go from the company.

The news was first broken by Scott Miller, the founder of Apogee Games and the 3D Realms label. He shared word of the layoffs on his Twitter/X account:

Incredibly sad, another BIG axing of devs at Danish 3D Realms/Slipgate this morning. We’ve hired two amazing devs from the last big cut there a few weeks ago. Might be able to hire 1-2 more to help soften the blow. (This is from several insider friends there.)

— Scott Miller – Apogee/3D Realms Founder ☢️ (@ScottApogee) January 3, 2024

Among the devs cut from 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks this morning were 3D Artist Gustaw Mackay, Creative Producer Alex Popa, and Artist & Designer Arthur Biver, all of whom took to Twitter/X to share their disappointment:

Sooo I just lost my job at 3D Realms as part of mass layoffs. If anyone needs a 3D Artist, let me know! I specialize in low poly, but I know how to do basically everything. Characters, weapons, props, you name it. pic.twitter.com/FddJdPYDMm

— Gustaw Mackay (Available for 3D work. DM me) (@GustawMackay) January 3, 2024

I've been included in the most recent round of layoffs from 3DRealms.

I'm going to be focusing on QHLAN this week, but in the meantime, hit me up if you need filmography, trailer editing, vfx, or motion graphics – this year was a busy one! pic.twitter.com/9kmcfiWphE

— Jehar (@Jehar) January 3, 2024

Hey people, unfortunately I've been laid off from 3DRealms. But that also means I'm open for a job application for 3D modelling, texturing, and Level design! pic.twitter.com/2cIDjh11fl

— 🇫🇷 aDaya – Plotosphere Tomb of Thunder underway (@aDaya93) January 3, 2024

These are just a few of the devs who lost their jobs today, but our hearts go out to every single one of them who was affected. Being a game dev in today’s day and age has got to be scary. There’s a serious lack of job security, especially for those in positions under parent group Embracer. It’s really a shame to see so many hardworking people lose their livelihood.

Embracer has been the harbinger of death for numerous smaller studios in the last year. Studios such as Volition and Free Radical have been shut down entirely, while others like Crystal Dynamics have been cut to much smaller sizes. It’s a tragic trend, and one that we hope stops sooner rather than later.

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