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The former and current employees say the downsizing process was disrespectful.
Image credit: Frontire, Elite Dangerous
In October 2023, Frontier Developments announced staff reductions, sparking criticism from former and current employees who found the layoff process disrespectful.
The layoffs reportedly stretched over months, with some employees only meeting with HR for consultations in December. Those who lost their jobs received only the minimum compensation required by UK law. Allegedly, the company targeted those who criticized management, with top officials reacting harshly to any form of dissent, even deeming the use of clown emojis as hostile.
"I would also say that most of the people that were kept on – or, in some cases, promoted – during the process were those who were very pro-Frontier, and did not want anyone speaking negatively about them," shared one former employee with GLHF.
Image credit: Frontier, F1 Manager 2023
The publishing division and community management were hit hardest by the cuts, with half of their staff being let go. Weak sales of the racing simulator F1 Manager 2022 were cited as the reason for the layoffs, with company earnings falling well below forecasted figures.
Frontier Developments admitted the game's failure but denied blaming employees for the outcome. The staff also pointed out several financially unsuccessful decisions by the management, including the purchase of Canadian studio Complex Games and the launch of the unsuccessful Frontier Foundry label, which was shut down in June 2023 as financially unsustainable.
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