The ‘big fear’ of Sony’s game studio employees after failed launch, ET BrandEquity

Staff at Sony’s Firewalk Studio that made Concord fears job cutsStaff at Sony’s Firewalk Studios, responsible for the recently “unreleased” game Concord, are bracing for potential job losses as they await Sony’s decision on the studio’s future. The uncertainty follows the unprecedented move by Sony to pull Concord from store shelves just days after its launch.

According to sources familiar with the situation, as reported by Kotaku, employees at Firewalk Studios are in limbo, with some already updating their resumes and portfolios in anticipation of possible layoffs. The studio, which employs between 150-170 people, is considered one of the more expensive in Sony’s PlayStation portfolio on a per-head basis.

Adding to the turmoil, game director Ryan Ellis has stepped down from his leadership role, moving into a support position instead. Ellis, who joined Firewalk in 2017 after serving as creative director on Destiny 2 at Bungie, was deeply invested in Concord’s development.

Kotaku’s sources reveal that some staff members are pessimistic about Concord’s return and have been asked to explore pitches for entirely new projects. Speculation within the studio includes the possibility of being reassigned to co-development on other Sony first-party projects.

The fate of Firewalk Studios remains uncertain, with mass layoffs or even a complete studio shutdown being considered as potential outcomes. Some employees are waiting to learn about potential severance packages before making their next career moves.

Earlier this year, Sony cancelled multiple games and the shut down its PlayStation London Studio.

Winning the Sony PlayStation 6 chip design business would have been a victory for Intel’s design segment and would have doubled as a win for the company’s contract manufacturing effort, or foundry business, which was the centerpiece of Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger’s turnaround plan.

Media businesses across TV, print, and digital platforms are gearing up for the festive season by offering premium ad spots and customised solutions. Sony Pictures Networks India expects a 20% rise in ad spends, while Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment also anticipate strong growth. Print media is set to see significant growth driven by festive advertising.

• Published On Sep 21, 2024 at 04:00 PM IST

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