2023 has seen another significant shakeup at a video game company, leaving another wave of people out of a job. Today, Worms publisher Team17 was hit by layoffs, mostly affecting QA (quality assurance) and its CEO, Michael Pattison. Beyond the leader making his departure, around 50 jobs have been lost.
Worms Publisher Team17 Loses Wave of QA Workers in Layoffs, Including CEO Michael Pattison
Originally reported by Eurogamer, Team17 confirmed to the outlet that the layoffs all come in as a part of the company’s “restructuring plans.” Under the company’s umbrella, Bus Simulator publisher Astragon and educational game studio StoryToys will not be hit. Most of the losses are within junior positions of QA. Those affected were informed this morning at a town hall meeting, which started a consultation process that will end in November.
Details are vague about the departure of Pattison. The company’s statement indicated that it was amicable. As of writing, Pattison has not provided his own statement on the matter.
The news about the Team17 layoffs comes a year after the company promised positive change after employees spoke out against its practices, including poor pay and working conditions, common issues across the industry. As a part of the company’s response, it made it clear at the time layoffs would not happen.
This year has seen major layoffs, not just for Team17. Last Thursday, Epic Games let go of about 16% of its workforce, which comprised about 900 workers. That decision came down to too much spending from the company, leading it to axe workers the same day it upped Fortnite‘s in-game current. Other significant layoffs this year include Xbox, Creative Assembly, Crystal Dynamics, and Blizzard’s Hearthstone team.
The issue has been longstanding as the industry has been criticized for its volatility despite high profits for major companies like Xbox and Epic Games. It is common enough that many developers will go between multiple companies throughout their career, either by choice or through a shakeup internally.
