Restructuring at Humble Games: What it Means for the Company and Its Employees
Fans of Humble Games were startled to hear rumors that the company was shutting down after announcements surfaced from former employees. However, updates and official statements have clarified the situation: while Humble Games is indeed undergoing restructuring, it is not shutting down. Let’s dive into what this means for the company and its workforce.
Why the Restructuring?
In an official statement to GamesIndustry.biz, Humble Games shed light on their decision. The company pointed to “challenging economic times for indie game publishing” as the primary reason behind their restructuring efforts. They emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, but was necessary to ensure the ongoing stability and support of their developers and projects.
The Impact on Employees
The news hit hard and fast for many. According to former employees, the restructuring involved immediate layoffs, with all 36 staff members reportedly being let go without prior notice. This abrupt move left many feeling disoriented and frustrated. Several ex-employees took to social media and professional networks to share their experiences and feelings about the situation.
Niki Kwan, a former BizDev executive at Humble Games, wrote on LinkedIn, “At 9 AM this morning, 36 employees of Humble Games were told that we were being let go and that the company is shutting down.” Her sentiments reflected a broader sense of shock and disappointment visible among her peers.
Official Statement from Humble Games
In response to the outcry, Humble Games issued a public statement to clarify their position and reassure both customers and business partners. Here’s a key excerpt:
“In these challenging economic times for indie game publishing, Humble Games has made the difficult but necessary decision to restructure our operations. This decision was not made lightly; it involved much deliberation and careful thought, with the goal of ensuring the stability and support of our developers and ongoing projects. Additionally, the restructuring of operations at Humble Games will have no impact on operations at Humble Bundle.”
“We are acutely aware of the profound impact this decision has on our team members at Humble Games and deeply empathize with everyone affected. Our team’s contributions have been world-class and invaluable, supporting the launch of our games since we started publishing in 2017. We are committed to navigating this transition with as much empathy and understanding as possible.”
The Broader Industry Context
It’s crucial to recognize that Humble Games is not alone in facing economic challenges. The gaming industry has been rife with layoffs over the past year, affecting small indie developers and large studios alike. High-profile companies, including NetherRealm Studios, also announced job cuts, signaling widespread turbulence in the industry.
Conclusion
Although the restructuring at Humble Games has been tough on its employees, the company remains committed to publishing new and ongoing game titles. Humble Bundle’s operations remain unaffected, ensuring that the platform’s loyal user base will continue to enjoy the pay-what-you-want bundles they cherish.
As the games industry continues to evolve and adapt to economic pressures, it’s evident that change, although painful, is sometimes necessary for long-term sustainability. The future of Humble Games remains to be seen, but its commitment to supporting indie developers offers a glimmer of hope amid the restructuring process.
Stay tuned as more updates unfold.
Priyanka 
Mehek