Ascendant Studios is facing some unfortunate downsizing as a result of their recent game’s release. This morning, the Immortals of Aveum studio lost about 45% of its team to layoffs according to a tweet from the company’s Founder and CEO Bret Robbins.
Here’s the tweet from Robbins:
— Bret Robbins (@BretRobbins) September 14, 2023
He had some kind, albeit sad, words to say to the members of the team:
Today, we are heartbroken as we part ways with friends and colleagues at Ascendant Studios – about 45% of our team. This was a painfully difficult, but necessary decision that was not made lightly; nevertheless, we have to make this adjustment now that Immortals of Aveum has shipped. We are supporting those affected in every way we can, including comprehensive severance packages and job placement assistance, as well as support services for those who remain. If your studio is looking for proven UE5 artists and engineers, please reach out and let us know so we can introduce you to some incredibly talented game devs.
I am so proud of what our independent development team has accomplished with Immortals of Aveum. Together we’ve created a new AAA studio, a new IP, on new technology, during an era of our industry when that is exceedingly rare. We’ve poured our passion into Immortals, while wearing our hearts on our sleeves. The studio will continue to work that way as we support the development of this game and our Immortals IP moving forward with future updates and offers.
To my team reading this message, especially those leaving us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable contributions to Ascendant’s culture and your tremendous impact on bringing Immortals of Aveum to life. We wish you nothing but success in the next chapter of your careers. Please stay in touch.
As seen above, the studio has promised comprehensive severance packages and job placement assistance which will hopefully help to ease the burden of those who lost their jobs. They’ve also asked teams looking for experienced UE5 developers to reach out.
Robbins also confirmed in the tweet that these layoffs are a result of Immortals of Aveum’s release. It’s likely that the game did not perform as well enough to keep most of the team on, which is especially a shame considering the game’s initial release was delayed in order to “deliver a strong launch.”
As always, this is disappointing news to see. Layoffs and downsizing are, unfortunately, incredibly common in the world of game development. It’s impressive to see anyone finish a game when the risk of getting let go is constantly looming.
We here at MP1st wishes everyone affected by the layoffs land on their feet.