Neverwinter and Star Trek Online developer Cryptic Studios has been hit by another round of layoffs, with an unknown number of staff being let go from the studio this time around.
Per a Game Developer report, a number of Cryptic employees, including artists Amelia March and Mauricio Tejerina, have confirmed that they’re being laid off on business social networking platform LinkedIn.
Cryptic art director Thomas Marrone subsequently confirmed the layoffs via social media a couple of days ago, adding that “some wonderful people are being let go” and that “their loss will be deeply felt” at the company.
This isn’t the first time Cryptic Studios has been hit by layoffs, either. Back in November last year, the studio let an unknown number of personnel go, citing an “organizational change”.
That decision was likely part of a restructuring effort by Cryptic’s parent Embracer, which saw the holding company cut a huge number of jobs and outright close or sell some studios (including Saints Row developer Volition).
Supposedly, however, that restructuring program is over, having concluded with Embracer announcing its intent to split into three separate companies back in April.
With that in mind, the reason behind these latest Cryptic layoffs isn’t entirely clear, and neither Embracer nor Cryptic have announced anything through official channels, so no clear reason has been given by either company.
What we do know is that Cryptic Studios is part of an industry-wide trend that has seen thousands upon thousands of gaming industry employees lose their jobs this year alone.
Big studios like Microsoft and Sony, as well as indie outfits like Disco Elysium‘s ZA/UM and Wayfinder developer Airship Syndicate, have been hit by layoffs.
Against that backdrop, corporate executives at companies like EA and Bungie have been criticized for making or flaunting huge amounts of money while their companies bleed staff, while other industry veterans have been ridiculed for making what many see as inappropriate remarks in response to the layoffs.
