Brandy McPherson
Telltale Announces Major Layoffs In The Wake Of The Expanse’s Xbox Launch
The full Telltale: The Expanse series is out now on all platforms, and if this week’s unfortunate news is anything to go by, the title doesn’t seem to have performed very well for the newly-resurrected development team.
In an announcement posted to Twitter, Telltale Games has revealed that a recent round of layoffs has hit the team.
Here’s their statement in full:
Telltale (@telltalegames) October 5, 2023
The studio points towards “current market conditions” as the reason for the layoffs, although it has revealed that any other ongoing projects “currently in development are still in production,” so hopefully we still see more from Telltale’s other projects in the future.
For what it’s worth, we really enjoyed the first episode of The Expanse series, but haven’t yet delved into the full episodic affair due to how stacked the past couple of months have been for new releases. Hopefully, the game continues to sell and helps Telltale out in the long run – we never want to see dev teams struggle like this.
Implication of the Layoffs on Telltale Games
The news of the layoffs comes as a blow to Telltale Games, which recently made a comeback following its closure back in 2018. The company had managed to successfully revive its brand and release The Expanse series, which was highly anticipated by fans of the TV show. However, it seems that the game did not meet the expected sales figures, leading to the unfortunate layoffs.
The layoffs are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry. Even established developers like Telltale Games can face challenges when releasing new titles. In this case, it seems that the timing of the game’s release may have played a role, with numerous high-profile titles competing for attention in the market. Additionally, market saturation and changing consumer preferences may have contributed to the underperformance of The Expanse series.
Despite the setback, Telltale Games remains optimistic about its remaining projects in development. The studio reassured fans that these projects are still in production and will continue as planned. It is crucial for the company’s future that these projects are successful, as they will play a vital role in determining Telltale Games’ ability to bounce back from the layoffs and continue its operations.
Reflection on The Expanse Series
Speaking about The Expanse series itself, the first episode was well-received by players and critics alike. The game successfully captured the essence of the TV show and offered an engaging narrative experience. However, the full episodic release was overshadowed by the sheer number of new game releases in recent months. This has made it challenging for players to dedicate time and attention to any single title, including The Expanse series.
Considering the positive feedback from the first episode, it is disappointing to see the series face difficulties in terms of sales. Hopefully, the release of the Xbox version of the game will help boost its visibility and attract new players. The Expanse is an IP with a dedicated fanbase, and their support will be crucial in keeping the series afloat and supporting Telltale Games in the wake of the layoffs.
Final Thoughts
The news of Telltale Games’ layoffs raises concerns about the challenges faced by developers in the gaming industry. It serves as a reminder that even established studios can face setbacks when releasing new titles, and market conditions can significantly impact the success of a game. It is important for players to support their favorite developers and spread the word about their releases to ensure the sustainability of the gaming industry.
As for Telltale Games, the future remains uncertain, but the studio’s dedication to its ongoing projects brings hope. The success of these projects will determine Telltale Games’ ability to recover from the layoffs and continue creating innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
Did you play The Expanse? Share your thoughts!
If you played The Expanse series, we want to hear from you! Leave your thoughts on the game and the unfortunate news of Telltale Games’ layoffs in the comments below. Despite the challenges faced by the studio, it is important to support developers and provide feedback on their work.
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