IO interactive lays off nearly half its staff

[Vilham]

Hitman developer IO Interactive has announced that it's laying off "almost half" its staff to "focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise."

"For those affected, we are extremely grateful for the hard work which they have contributed, and where it's possible and appropriate to relocate staff to open positions at other studios within the group, we will try to do so. We are also reaching out to other companies for outplacement opportunities. We sincerely wish them well in their future careers."In a statement obtained by Eurogamer, Square Enix VP of corporate communications Chris Glover said, "The studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new AAA Hitman project. However we have taken the difficult decision to cancel other studio projects and initiatives at IO and reduce the workforce in this studio, which will impact almost half of the employees currently at IO, as we make internal adjustments to face the challenges of today's market."

As part of IO Interactive's changes, its moved former production director Hannes Seifert up to studio head.

It's unclear what in-development projects were cancelled, but next to Hitman IO was best known for its Kane & Lynch series -of which a third game was heavily hinted at.

http://www.eurogamer...-half-its-staff

Hopefully anyone here isn't effected.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Vilham

[Thrik]

Saddened.

[Mazy]

I'm not quite ready to announce anything yet, but don't worry about me.

I am however extremely sad for all my colleagues and what the hell will happen to them, both the ones that get fired and the ones that stay afterwards.

This has been a looooong time coming tho, not surprising at all to me. Still doesn't make it less sad.

[Alf-Life]

[Minos]

[-HP-]

Ouch... I know how fucked up these things can be, for those who leave, and for those who stay. Hope it works out for all involved.

[Nysuatro]

[Chimeray]

Damn that sucks :s Hope everyone affected gets through it in one piece...

Edited June 17, 2013 by Chimeray

[El Moroes]

[General Vivi]

Sad to hear this news. Mazy if you need anything, just ask any of us, we will be happy to help where needed.

[penE]

Ah fuck, that's sad, hope you guys are alright!

[Tailgunner]

sad news, hope you are all allright, god damnit with these layoffs everywhere, jesus.

[Kedhrin]

I'm hiring soon in all areas, if you can pass my info along to those that may be interested in the states

[FMPONE]

yikes, that sucks.

[Rick_D]

DICE hiring lighting artists and senior level artists. Pass along my info to relevant people, Mazy. Cheers! (rick.underhill@dice.se)