Summary
In yet another blow to industry workers,Embracer Grouphas announced more layoffs at Lost Boys Interactive, a subsidiary of Gearbox Software. Lost Boys Interactive provided support work on theBorderlandsspin-offTiny Tina’s Wonderlands, but the studio is now facing the ax with multiple departments set to lose staff.
A Swedish holding company, Embracer Group has a dozen subsidiary groups across various facets of video games and media. Last year,Embracer ordered multiple large-scale layoffsand shutdowns, resulting in thousands of lost jobs by the end of 2023. While fans were hopeful that the cutbacks would come to an end, Embracer has announced yet another studio to be hit with layoffs.
First shared byWindows Central, employees at Lost Boys Interactive have begun reporting that the studio is the latest to be hit with major layoffs. Lost Boys Interactive helped Gearbox Software with the development ofTiny Tina’s Wonderlands, which proved a critical and commercial success. However, Embracer is continuing its cost-cutting efforts, and theTiny Tinadevelopers are revealing layoffs across the design, production, and quality assurance departments, among others. There is currently no official confirmation on the number of employees expected to be let go, but many of those affected have begun sharing the news on LinkedIn and other social media sites. After previousrumors of Embracer wanting to sell Gearbox Software, this set of layoffs at co-developer Lost Boys Interactive has left many fans worried about the future ofBorderlandsand Gearbox.
Industry Layoffs Show No Signs of Slowing
This latest reveal of more layoffs by Embracer Group has come as a shock to many, though others have already seen the cutback trends of 2023 carrying over to this year. After multiple rounds of workforce trimmings in 2023,Unity has announced another string of layoffs, along with Twitch and Discord also looking at massive downsizing efforts. Audiences have frequently questioned the necessity of these cost-cutting moves, as many of the companies to announce layoffs have been reporting record profits and already declining costs. Fans remain weary of the future of multiple industries, as they worry that these mass layoffs will start to impact consumers and the products and services they enjoy. Whether this will ring true for Lost Boys Interactive and Gearbox supporters remains to be seen, but for now, the layoff wave of last year is continuing to flow through 2024.
From the technology and gaming industries to the content creation and social media sectors, 2023 saw an almost unprecedented series of layoffs. Barely two weeks into 2024, more employees are receiving news of studio cutbacks and shutdowns, leaving many to wonder about the future of various franchises and services. WithEmbracer losing its COOand now issuing more layoffs, fans of Lost Boys Interactive and Gearbox Software are keeping a skeptical eye onEmbracer Groupand its multiple subsidiaries.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic adventure full of whimsy, wonder, and high-powered weaponry. Bullets, magic and broadswords collide across this chaotic fantasy world brought to life by the unpredictable Tiny Tina. Roll your own multiclass hero and loot, shoot, slash and cast your way through outlandish monsters and loot-filled dungeons on a quest to stop the tyrannical Dragon Lord. Tiny Tina is your disorderly guide through an extraordinary tabletop realm where rules rarely apply. Explore a vast overworld spanning majestic cities, dank mushroom forests, foreboding fortresses and more! Joining you at the table are headstrong captain Valentine and rule-obsessed robot Frette. During your quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, you’ll meet a cast of lovable misfits like a lute-wielding Bardbarian and your very own Fairy Punchfather. Everyone’s welcome, so join the party, throw on your adventuring boots and be Chaotic Great!
