Layoffs at Bossa Studios
UK-based Bossa Studios, known for developing popular games such as Surgeon Simulator, I Am Bread, and I Am Fish, has recently undergone significant staff reductions. The company confirmed the layoff of 19 employees, which constitutes approximately one-third of its total workforce. The layoffs were primarily among the Quality Assurance (QA) and production staff, with a notable number of affected employees being based outside the UK. These gaming industry layoffs 2023 are a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the sector.
Bossa Studios co-founder Henrique Olifiers attributed the layoffs to a “perfect storm of events” that occurred towards the end of 2023. He cited the competitive gaming market, which saw the release of several big-budget games in the last quarter of the year, as a contributing factor. Additionally, the company faced increased operating costs and delayed funding for new game projects, which necessitated the Bossa Studios restructuring.
Upcoming Game Development
Bossa Studios is currently developing a new game titled ‘Lost Skies’, which was announced in May 2023. This upcoming title is an open-world co-op survival game designed for 1-6 players. ‘Lost Skies’ bears a resemblance to the studio’s previously discontinued airship MMO, ‘Worlds Adrift’. However, it remains unclear whether the recent layoffs will impact the planned 2024 launch of ‘Lost Skies’. Concept art for ‘Lost Skies’ is expected to be released soon, which will provide a glimpse into the game’s aesthetic and design.
| ‘Lost Skies’ | ‘Worlds Adrift’ |
|---|---|
| Co-op survival gameplay | MMO with airship mechanics |
| 1-6 player experience | Massively multiplayer |
| Open-world exploration | Open-world exploration |
| Gameplay focused on skyships as homes | Gameplay centered around airship construction and navigation |
Broader Impact of Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
The year 2023 was marked by significant upheaval in the gaming industry, with numerous studios experiencing layoffs or closures. This trend underscores the volatility within the industry, despite the release of many successful titles during the year. The following studios were among those affected:
Acquisition of Bossa Studios’ Game Properties
In a strategic move, indie publisher TinyBuild acquired the game properties of Surgeon Simulator, I Am Bread, and I Am Fish from Bossa Studios. The deal, which took place in 2022, was valued at $3 million. This acquisition was intended to provide Bossa Studios with a financial cushion, described by co-founder Henrique Olifiers as a “war chest,” to support the development of their future projects.
The sale of these properties was part of Bossa Studios’ shift in focus towards cooperative player-versus-environment (PvE) games. The funds from the deal were earmarked to help the studio navigate any potential delays or significant investments required for their new game, ‘Lost Skies’. Despite the layoffs at the end of 2023, the sale to TinyBuild was seen as a strategic decision to secure the financial stability and future of Bossa Studios.
