Zau Studio warns of layoffs as it seeks funding

A multimedia company that developed Tales of Kenzeri: Zav has put its entire gaming staff on notice for layoffs due to funding issues. Despite critical acclaim, Tales of Kenzeri: Zav financial results haven't been good, and it looks like the developers' jobs may be in jeopardy due to a lack of funding for the studio's next project.

Developed by Surgent Studios, Tales of Kenzeri: Zav was released in early 2024. A Metroidvania platformer, the game follows the adventures of Zaw as he tries to bring his father back to life, with a title that features a deep and emotional story, fast-paced action, and inspiration from African mythology. Unfortunately, despite receiving positive reviews with an average score of 76 on OpenCritic, the game didn't sell very well, and Surgent Studios laid off more than a dozen employees in July.

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Now, Surgent Studios' financial situation doesn't seem to be improving, as the company recently posted a message on social media claiming that its gaming division is on hold. The entire team has also been laid off, according to the studio. The studio has been working on a “bold new project” that is said to be “darker, edgier and more intuitive” than Tales of Kenzeri: Zavbut the company currently needs funding to continue. This is certainly sad news, how Tales of Kenzeri: Zav was one of the best Metroidvania games to come out in 2024.

Employees of Surgent Studios have been notified of layoffs

At the moment, almost nothing is known about Surgent Studios' next game. Given the developer's experience with Metroidvania games, it's possible that his next title, if ever funded and completed, could be in the same genre. However, this announcement indicates that it will change its tone significantly from the Tales of Kenzeri: Zava more honest account.

Unfortunately, 2023 and 2024 have been tough years for the gaming industry due to the ongoing layoffs that are plaguing many companies. In February, Embracer Group laid off nearly 8,000 employees, while Unity Technologies laid off 2,900 people and Microsoft cut 2,880 jobs. The situation affected many major companies, including Electronic Arts, Sony, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Riot Games, Sega, Ubisoft and others. It looks like the problem isn't going away just yet, and it's also becoming a big problem for smaller studios. Let's hope Surgent Studios gets the funding it needs for its next game, but there's no telling when the current crisis in the gaming industry will end.

A grieving boy begins to read a Bantu fairy tale written by his late father. Adventure into the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzeri as Zaw, a young shaman who makes a deal with the God of Death to bring back his Baba from the darkness. With your cosmic powers and untried courage, you advance into unknown mythological lands. Kenzera, once teeming with life, is now filled with the lost spirits of ancestors. As Zaw moves toward his goal, three powerful beings await, terrifying in their power but strangely familiar. Will you take the shaman's dance?

Embark on a poignant single-player story shaped by actor Abubakar Salim's own experience of grief, discovering how love gives us the courage to carry on after loss. Wield the powers of the Sun and the Moon to defeat restless spirits in rhythmic combat and become a worthy Ngang: Spiritual Healer. Discover a rich universe of untold knowledge of chaos and order and journey through mystical 2.5D realms filled with color and depth, buoyed by award-winning composer Nainita Desai's enchanting original score.

Released

April 23, 2024

Developer(s)

Surgent Studios

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

E10+ for all 10+ due to fantasy violence

PS Plus availability

Extra and premium

OpenCritic rating

Strong

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