According to Danish site Computerworld, IO Interactive has laid off approximately 30 employees, though the developer wouldn't detail specific numbers. "Because we are a part of a listed company (as a company under the Square Enix Group, ed.), I can not enter the number or reasons about layoffs," IO Interactive general manager Niels Jørgensen said, confirming the lowered headcount. Though Jørgensen couldn't be specific, it is believed that the layoffs are a result of a canceled project with Microsoft.
"This is a natural part of any studio's existence when you ramp-up and ramp-down on projects to ensure you have the right level of resources and expertise within the studio. We genuinely wish those who have been affected by this the best of luck for the future," Jørgensen further explained. According to reports, IO now comprises roughly 160 employees, down for the second time this year after layoffs hit back in March.
Reader Comments (14)
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 11:20AM Jack Kevorkian said
Weird that you didn't include the nature of the project in the article's main body. Is this like a google game or something?
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 11:30AM supersonic124 said
This is what happens when you keep pushing back the Hitman sequel IO.
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 11:35AM noyesa said
The video game industry is so depressing. You work your ass off for years on end on one project and then a huge chunk of staff inevitably gets canned after it all.
High profile studios aren't immune to this, either--didn't a chunk of the Rockstar studio that made RDR get laid off? And that game sold bazillions...
High profile studios aren't immune to this, either--didn't a chunk of the Rockstar studio that made RDR get laid off? And that game sold bazillions...
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 11:45AM NathanDTS said
I would be bothered if it weren't for the fact that the last two games they made are abominations.
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 4:13PM Epoque said
@NathanDTS Ugh, no. Mini Ninjas was the most underrated game of 2009, hardly an abomination.
More than likely you, like everyone else, forgot it even existed and were instead referring to both Kane & Lynch games. But all the same, Mini Ninjas was fun as hell and doesn't deserve the neglect.
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More than likely you, like everyone else, forgot it even existed and were instead referring to both Kane & Lynch games. But all the same, Mini Ninjas was fun as hell and doesn't deserve the neglect.
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 11:58AM Lerkero said
Well if they didn't waste all that time making Kane and Lynch they may have been working on a project people actually want to play. I am really disappointed that IO chose to make those 2 games these past few years. (Unless it was the publishers that made them do it).
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 12:11PM Bewoulf said
Io interactive, I've never heard of them. They are part of SE?
Posted: Nov 1st 2010 4:10PM inferno said
these are the guys that made kane and lynch i have no sympathy





