The recent news of all 36 employees at Humble Games being laid off has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. Although Humble Games claim it is merely a restructuring, former employees and insiders paint a different picture. The company’s business developer Nicola Kwan delivered the gut-wrenching news to staff, stating that “the company is shutting down.” This contradicts Humble Games’ official statement, attributing the events to “challenging economic times for indie game publishing” and calling it a necessary decision to restructure operations.
Chris Radley, Humble’s creative lead until 2022, vehemently refutes the claim of restructuring, labeling it as a total shutdown of Humble Games. In an online post, Radley clarifies that operations have been handed over to a third-party consultancy and that no staff remain. An unnamed employee speaking to Aftermath likens the company’s claims of restructuring to an attempt to “save face.” It is revealed that Humble Games had not secured any projects for 2026 or 2027, leading to speculation that the decision was influenced by Ziff Davis’s declining stock.
Former employees express concerns about the impact of Humble Games’ closure on indie development. One employee criticizes the decision as irrational and predicts long-term repercussions on both employees and ongoing projects. It is disclosed that Ziff Davis had previously tried to sell Humble Games without success. The company’s remaining publishing projects are now entrusted to a third-party consulting firm, the Powell Group. Humble Games, known for titles like Signalis and Slay The Spire, leaves behind a legacy overshadowed by its sudden demise.
A Pattern of Layoffs
This isn’t the first time Humble Games has faced layoffs, as it marks the second round of job cuts within a short span. Last November, an unspecified number of staff from the publishing arm were let go, signaling a troubling trend within the company. Senior QA Emilee Kieffer reflects on the volatile nature of the game industry, highlighting the pressure for exponential growth at the expense of quality and team camaraderie. The narrative of billionaires profiting while staff bear the brunt of instability resonates within the gaming community.
The collapse of Humble Games raises important questions about the corporate dynamics in the gaming industry. The conflicting accounts from company officials and former employees underscore the lack of transparency and accountability in such situations. The aftermath of the layoffs not only affects the individuals directly involved but also raises concerns about the future of indie game publishing. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to prioritize ethics and sustainability to ensure a thriving and equitable environment for all stakeholders.
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