“Majority” of Sharkmob London studio hit by layoffs

Sharkmob London has laid off the majority of its staff after the company cancelled an unannounced game the team was working on.

A spokesperson from Tencent, which owns the sudio, confirmed to PocketGamer.biz there had been a reduction in headcount, but did not specify how many employees were affected. Multiple staff on social media have stated that most of the team has been made redundant.

Sharkmob’s Malmo office remains in operation and is currently working on PC and console title Exoborne.

“In line with many studios, Sharkmob has been impacted by the difficult conditions across the video gaming market,” read a statement from Tencent.

“As a result, regrettably, Sharkmob has had to make a reduction in headcount in its London office. Tencent remains committed to Sharkmob and the launch of its upcoming game, Exoborne.”

Studio history

GamesIndustry.biz reported last month that Sharkmob’s London studio was facing layoffs follow a game cancellation. At the time, a spokesperson said the company was entering a consultation period and aimed to “try and minimise this impact”.

It’s not clear what the future holds for the London studio. The company was founded in Malmo in 2017 and later opened its office in the UK capital in 2020.

In 2019, Chinese publishing giant Tencent acquired Sharkmob for an undisclosed fee. Sharkmob has worked on titles like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt, which launched in 2020.