Bossa Games Faces Unspecified Staff Reductions

Bossa Games has recently faced another round of layoffs, and although the exact number of affected employees is not known, the situation is concerning. Henrique Olifiers, one of the co-founders and co-CEOs of the studio, shared this news on LinkedIn. He explained that the company had decided to reduce its workforce in order to focus on the completion and upcoming launch of their game, Lost Skies.

In his statement, Olifiers mentioned that it was a tough decision to downsize the team. The aim is to ensure that Lost Skies is launched successfully and continues to develop positively for its players. He indicated that after the release of the game, they plan to reorganize into smaller teams that will work independently on fresh game concepts to deliver to players as soon as possible.

Olifiers expressed regret about having to make such cuts, stating they wished they had been able to navigate the current challenges without resorting to layoffs. Unfortunately, they felt they had no other choice. He highlighted the rough state of the video game industry lately, which contributed to their decision.

According to Olifiers, the gaming industry has seen a lot of upheaval over the past couple of years. Many beloved studios and teams have been closed down or have significantly reduced their size. He pointed out that they have witnessed this turmoil firsthand, and they have also seen colleagues and peers affected by these changes.

By the end of 2023, Bossa Games had to let go of about one-third of its staff, leaving around 40 employees to focus on Lost Skies. Olifiers shared that the reason behind these layoffs includes the lack of attention given to AA and indie games compared to larger AAA titles. Furthermore, the rising operational costs and delays in funding decisions compounded the financial struggles faced by the studio.

This decision reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where many companies are having to adapt to changing circumstances. The impact of external factors has forced even established studios to rethink their strategies and restructure their teams. As Bossa Games navigates through this challenging period, the focus will remain on ensuring that Lost Skies is not only successfully launched but also receives the support and evolution it needs in the competitive gaming market.

The hope is that once the game stabilizes and enters live operations, Bossa Games can regroup and return to its creative roots by experimenting with new ideas and projects. The journey ahead may be difficult, but Olifiers and the remaining team are committed to making Lost Skies a success while hoping for a rebound in the industry that allows them to grow again in the future.