How Humble Games Layoffs Are Affecting Indie Developers and Staff
The indie game publishing world was shaken this week with the announcement that Humble Games, a prominent figure in the industry, has laid off its entire staff. While the company says it’s restructuring rather than shutting down, the impact of this decision has been far-reaching, affecting not only employees but also the developers who relied on Humble Games for support.
The Human Cost
Humble Games, which began its journey in 2017, has been responsible for publishing numerous beloved indie titles such as “Slay the Spire,” “Unpacking,” and “Midnight Fight Express.” The decision to lay off all 36 staff members has left many talented individuals searching for new opportunities in a volatile industry.
Senior Quality Assurance Analyst Emilee Kiefer and producer Kenny Schwarz both took to social media to share their grief and frustration. Kiefer criticized the industry’s volatility and the relentless pursuit of exponential growth at the expense of creating great games with great teams. Schwarz echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation for the experience but also lamenting the abrupt end to their journey with Humble Games.
Well friends, me and the entirety of Humble Games was laid off this morning
If you need senior/lead QA at your game studio HI HELLO I DON'T HAVE A JOB ANYMOOOORE! pic.twitter.com/giAPAiTDsx
— 🎃Emil-EEK!🎃 (@Emilee3D) July 23, 2024
What This Means for Indie Developers
Indie developers who have been publishing through Humble Games are now left in a precarious situation. The publisher’s portfolio includes popular titles such as “Stray Gods,” “Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus,” and “Chinatown Detective Agency,” among others. These projects were often assured a significant platform for visibility and financial backing, which now seems uncertain.
Despite Humble Games’ announcement that ongoing and upcoming projects would not be impacted, trust issues remain. Developers are concerned about the level of support they will receive moving forward, questioning whether the smaller, restructured team will be able to offer the same level of dedication and resources as before.
The Bigger Picture
The layoffs at Humble Games are part of a broader trend that has persisted in 2024. Other companies in the gaming industry have also been affected, including Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm, which recently laid off its mobile team.
IGN Entertainment, the parent company of Humble Games since its acquisition in 2017, also recently acquired notable game websites such as Eurogamer, Rock Paper Shotgun, and VG247. These business moves raise eyebrows, with some questioning whether the focus on expansion has diverted attention and resources away from adequately supporting existing businesses like Humble Games.
In a statement provided to various outlets, Humble Games mentioned that this restructuring aims to ensure the stability and support of their developers and ongoing projects. The company assured that the restructuring would not have any significant impact on Humble Bundle’s operations. However, for those laid off, these reassurances offer little comfort.
Voices from the Community
The gaming community has rallied around the affected employees, with many taking to social media to offer support and share job opportunities. Conversations have focused on issues like job security in the gaming industry, the ethics of corporate restructuring, and the human cost of business decisions.
Producer Kenny Schwarz noted that it’s a difficult time but also emphasized the incredible experience of working with talented individuals. Community members have echoed similar feelings, underscoring the industry’s need for better job stability and equitable treatment of employees.
Looking Forward
As the dust begins to settle, the future for Humble Games and its employees remains uncertain. Some hope that the restructuring will open new doors and create a more sustainable business model. Others are skeptical, questioning how much can genuinely change without addressing the root causes of industry-wide volatility and an overemphasis on exponential growth.
For now, the immediate concern lies with the affected employees and developers. Humble Games has pledged to support its former team members and development partners through this transition. The broader industry will be watching closely to see if these promises are kept and if any meaningful change can come from such a challenging situation.
Your Thoughts
It’s clear that layoffs and corporate restructuring in the gaming industry have far-reaching impacts. If you have thoughts about the Humble Games layoffs or how the industry can better support its workforce, share your comments below.
We hope that the talented team members from Humble Games find new opportunities where they can continue to shine, and that indie developers can continue to create the unique and innovative games we all love.
Mehek