Recently, Surgent Studios, the developers behind the Afrofuturist platformer Tales of Kenzera: Zau, have made the unfortunate decision to lay off over a dozen staff members. This news comes shortly after the release of their debut video game, which was highly anticipated due to the involvement of Assassin’s Creed Origins star, Abubakar Salim.
The layoffs at Surgent Studios have had a significant impact on the team, with former employees expressing their disappointment on platforms such as LinkedIn. The cuts reportedly affected producers, artists, animators, and other essential staff members. This has raised concerns about the future of the studio and their ability to continue developing captivating storytelling experiences across various media platforms.
Surgent Studios has acknowledged the layoffs and emphasized their commitment to supporting those affected while continuing their work on Zau and exploring future creative projects. They expressed pride in the team’s efforts on Zau and the positive feedback it has received from critics and players. Despite the challenges in the games industry, Surgent Studios remains optimistic about what the future holds for their studio.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau was unveiled as a metroidvania game inspired by African Bantu cultures and personal experiences of grief. Critics praised the game for its emotionally engaging storyline and stunning design. However, some reviewers noted issues with platforming and combat mechanics, citing them as areas for improvement. Despite these critiques, Zau garnered positive attention and showcased Surgent Studios’ potential for creating innovative and culturally significant video games.
As of now, Surgent Studios has not announced their next project or outlined their plans for the future of Zau. This uncertainty raises questions about the studio’s stability and their ability to bounce back from the recent layoffs. The industry will be watching closely to see how Surgent Studios navigates this challenging period and whether they can regain their footing in the competitive world of gaming development.
The layoffs at Surgent Studios have undoubtedly caused a stir within the gaming community. The impact of these staffing changes on the studio’s future remains uncertain, but with a dedicated team and a strong vision for storytelling, Surgent Studios may be able to overcome this setback and emerge even stronger in the long run.
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