Surgent Studios, the developer behind the recently-released Tales of Kenzera ZAU, is the next game studio hit by layoffs.
Following a massive way of layoffs this year at numerous studios, including both large and smaller developers, the studio founded by actor Abubakar Salim is now also hit by layoffs. Some days ago, several developers at the studio already suggested that layoffs would be inbound, and on X, the studio has now confirmed that a “dozen people” will be losing their jobs.
“Unfortunately, Surgent has joined the growing number of games studios impacted by layoffs this year with over a dozen people affected”, the official statement from the studio reads.
“It’s a difficult time in the games industry, but we remain incredibly proud of our entire team’s work on ZAU and of the praise it has received from critics and players alike. Our focus now is on supporting those affected, continuing our work on ZAU, and looking to the future with out next creative projects.”
Following this dreadful news, founder Salim also took to X to address the layoffs and to ask for help from the community in finding new positions for those affected. “Thank you so much to those who have checked in”, he wrote. “This hurts deeply. This isn’t the news I wanted to share today.”
He added, “So to be delivering this news today really sucks. I know we’re not alone here, but that doesn’t make it easier. The focus now is to continue supporting those affected in anyway we can. I will be replying to this with links to posts from our affected team members.”
We can only wish those affected by the layoffs and Surgent Studios the best going forward.
Published by EA under the EA Originals labels, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU was released back in April of this year for PC and consoles. We spoke highly of the Metroidvania our launch review back then.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU proves that innovation isn’t always necessary to craft a compelling experience. With its heartfelt story, compelling protagonist, and solid metroidvania gameplay featuring excellent pacing, Zau’s journey is one that resonates, especially for those grappling with similar grief to the young shaman.
