Exoborne developer hit by layoff

Key conclusions

Sharkmob has fired most of its staff from its London venue following the cancellation of the unannounced triple-A title.
The development of Exoborne and the Malmo studio remained unaffected.
Live-action sci-fi shooter Exoborne is still slated for a 2025 release.

sharkmob, Tencent subsidiary company responsible for the upcoming tactical shooter Exobornreleased most of its staff from London after canceling the unannounced triple-A title. The parent company Tencent confirmed that the development Exoborn and the Malmö studio responsible for it remain intact.

The cancellation of the unannounced Sharkmob game was announced in October 2024, with a unclear picture of what the change in strategy could mean for the organization's headcount. Founded in 2017 by veterans from Massive and IO Interactive, the studio was acquired by gaming and technology giant Tencent in 2019, before opening its London division in 2020. Earlier, the studio released A bloody huntBattle Royale game, which takes place in Vampire: The Masquerade universe

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Relatives

Every studio that Tencent acquired in 2021

Tech and entertainment conglomerate Tencent recently acquired Turtle Rock Studios, ending 2021 with several acquisitions.

As reported by PocketGamer, Tencent has confirmed the reduction of staff. “Like many studios, Sharkmob has been affected by the difficult conditions in the video game market. As a result, unfortunately, Sharkmob has had to reduce the number of staff in its London office. Tencent remains loyal to Sharkmob and the launch of its upcoming game, Exoborn“, the company said. While neither the exact number of employees let go nor the long-term fate of the British studio has been determined, a number of former employees have reported on social media that the majority of employees have been let go. The move reflects a continuation of the trend of layoffs in the games industry.

Sharkmob announces layoffs as industry downsizing continues

With more than 23,000 positions eliminated between 2023 and September 2024, the gaming industry remains in turmoil. Widespread takeovers by major parent companies such as Microsoft, Sony, Embracer Group and Tencent followed the gaming boom of the pandemic era. The failure of market trends to support this rapid expansion and consolidation has forced many companies to take drastic measures to preserve stock valuations by canceling games, closing studios, and downsizing departments. Notable closures include Arkane Austin, Riot Forge, Ready at Dawn, and Firewalk Studios.

While Sharkmob is scaling back its release list and associated personnel, players can still expect to see Exoborn will appear on the shelves sometime in 2025. Whether the studio intends to ramp up production on other titles at the time, or focus on supporting and expanding its live operations with Exobornremains to be seen. Given the volatile state of the industry as a whole and the continued speculation of developer acquisitions, it's likely that the studio will want to ensure the success of its flagship title before taking any other risks.