The wave of layoffs continues: Don’t Nod, another development studio, is now being hit by a number of employees who are being thrown out on the street.
Don’t Nod made a name for itself in the gaming industry primarily as the developer of the original Life is Strange, but has subsequently published several other well-known titles. However, things didn’t go well with the studio’s most recent games, namely Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Both fell short of their goals and expectations financially, although Banishers in particular had received decent reviews.
While the studio is preparing for the release of another Life is Strange-style title, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, in early 2025, the recent poor performances are now having severe consequences: a significant part of the workforce has to be put on the street.
According to a report by IGN, almost 70 employees, or around 21 percent of the entire workforce, will be laid off at Don’t Nod. The poorer performance of the last two titles, which resulted in a year-on-year decline in sales of 11 percent, is not directly cited as a reason. However, it is stated that the studio in its current state is no longer sustainably positioned in terms of competitiveness, which would lead to a reorganization.
The announcement of the layoffs has drawn renewed criticism from the French video game union STJV, which had previously criticized Don’t Nod for poor communication and mismanagement. The STJV also sees the current procedure as a violation of the law due to a lack of prior communication. Don’t Nod must address these allegations and negotiate with the STJV to find solutions regarding the planned layoffs.
The Accolades trailer for Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden summarizes some of the press reviews about the game for you.
