LogInMedia Molecule has confirmed the layoffs.
Image credit: Media Molecule, Dreams
On October 24, Media Molecule, the studio behind well-known titles, such as Dreams and LittleBigPlanet, held an internal meeting where they shared plans for layoffs with their staff. According to a report by Sports Illustrated's GLHF, approximately 20 out of 135 employees are expected to be affected by these layoffs.
This announcement comes shortly after Media Molecule's decision to end live support for Dreams. Despite the game's initial early access release in April 2019 and official launch in February 2020, there will be no further updates after September 1, 2023, as the creators stated. However, players can still enjoy playing, creating, and sharing content within the game, albeit with a new 5GB storage limit for their creations.
Later on, the company took to Twitter and made a statement confirming the layoffs.
"Media Molecule has made significant strategic changes during the past year, including shifting our focus from Dreams to our new project. We have had to make the difficult decision to begin the consultation process for team members within certain departments of the studio. This is a tough moment for the individuals impacted and the studio overall. Every single role that has been put at risk is delivered by someone who has contributed something special to Media Molecule. We will make sure those impacted receive the best support we can provide during this process. We will continue to support the Dreams Community for the foreseeable future and will update on future plans at a later date," reads the statement.
These layoffs at Media Molecule echo a larger trend of mass layoffs observed within the games industry this year. Earlier today, we reported on the layoffs at Roblox. In an effort to evaluate and streamline its operational structure, the company made the decision to lay off several employees.
Zen Studio, the developer behind Pinball FX, has also been hit by layoffs, more than 30 employees were let go on October 13 as a result of video game downsizing.
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