- Hi-Rez Studios has carried out a new wave of layoffs affecting several dozen employees.
- Smite and Paladins will no longer receive new content, although their servers will remain operational.
- The company is prioritizing the development of Smite 2, which will become its only active project.
- The layoffs are part of a restructuring effort to ensure the sustainability of the studios.
Hi-Rez Studios, the company behind games like Smite, Paladins y Rogue Company, has announced a new restructuring that has resulted in the dismissal of numerous employees. This decision responds to the company's objective of focus all your resources on Smite 2, leaving aside active support for its previous titles. Discontent among employees is evident, but according to the studio, the change is aimed at improving its service.
A strategic adjustment to ensure the future
In a statement shared through its official Discord channel, the company explained that this measure has been necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. Although the servers of Smite, Paladins y Rogue Company will remain operational, these games will not receive new content updates nor additional support.
The announcement has generated a great impact in the community, since Smite and Paladins have been two of the most successful titles of the company for years. However, its development has come to an end to give way to Smite 2, which will become the main priority of the study.
Impact on workers and the community
This staff cut has affected several departments, including diseñadores, productores y esports specialistsIt is estimated that at least 30 employees have been laid off in this latest restructuring.
Those affected by these layoffs have expressed their discontent on social media, where they have shared their frustration at the lack of stability in the video game industry. The gaming community has also been quick to react, lamenting that two such popular titles are left in a state of disarray. maintenance without new content.
Smite 2: Hi-Rez's big bet
The main reason behind these cuts is the total focus on Smite 2, a game that the company hopes will guarantee economic stability in the future. Hi-Rez had already carried out a massive layoff in October 2024, justifying it as part of an internal reorganization to strengthen the development of the new MOBA.
As part of this transition, Smite 2 will adopt a free-to-play model in January 2025, a strategy the company hopes will help it Attract more players and generate higher revenues.
The situation at Hi-Rez Studios reflects a worrying trend in the video game industry, where staff cuts and project cancellations are becoming more frequent due to economic uncertainty. With these changes, The company is betting its entire future on Smite 2It remains to be seen whether this strategy will stabilize the studio or whether it will continue to face difficulties in the coming years.
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