The mobile game company behind it pokemon go, Niantic is struggling to find its next big hit. And now a new report claims the studio has canceled several projects and laid off staff to “streamline” operations.
The San Francisco-based publisher cut 85 to 90 jobs and canceled four games in development, including a transformers called the spin-off announced last year heavy metal, after a Bloomberg report released today, Bloomberg went on to report that an email was sent to employees from CEO John Hanke stating that the company is “ahead of a period of economic turbulence” and that, following previous cost-cutting efforts, Niantic has yet to “further streamline our operations to adapt.” to best position companies to weather any economic storm that may lie ahead.”
Other reportedly canceled games include hamleta planned collaboration between Niantic and the theater group Drunkand Blue sky and snowballbut it’s unclear if those were intended titles or internal code names.
Niantic had great success with 2016 AR powered Pokemon Go, but it was still unable to replicate that success. In 2019 the studio released Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Continue reading: niantic Maps the world. Now they map you
In a statement sent to my boxa Niantic spokesperson confirmed news of the layoffs and said it plans to continue supporting Pokemon Go and his other games and projects.
“We recently decided to halt production on some projects and reduce our workforce by about 8 percent to focus on our main priorities,” Niantic said. “We are grateful for the contributions of those who are leaving Niantic and we support them in this difficult transition.
The company also announced this my box that this move will allow the company to focus more on “new experiences” and that it “will continue to invest in the future of AR.”
While it’s true that Niantic will continue to invest in new games –After all, the company just announced a new project with the NBA– It is unlikely that the dismissed will find solace in it. I can’t imagine watching your company continue to make billions of dollars Playing in a single game while firing staff is a good way to boost morale.
