According to a new report, high-profile developer Naughty Dog has laid off a minimum of 25 contractors as part of a downsizing effort.
As reported by Kotaku, internal communication at Naughty Dog confirmed the termination of contracted developers from the art and production areas of the studio, as well as those working on quality assurance testing. The affected individuals are expected to work through the remainder of October, wherein their shortened contracts will expire, with no severance being offered. While none of the full-time development staff appear to have been included in this cut, it’s never pleasant to see people lose their jobs, permanent employees or otherwise.
Last Of Us Studio Naughty Dog Is Cutting Developers https://t.co/C39QbuZcU3 pic.twitter.com/QCKTqx4xK9
— Kotaku (@Kotaku) October 3, 2023
With the huge success of the TV series, and a second season being greenlit by HBO, it looks on the surface like the Last of Us IP is going from strength to strength, but not all is well. A previous report by Bloomberg highlighted numerous issues with the multiplayer spin-off title based don’t he original game’s Factions mode, and it sounds like those woes haven’t dissipated. An internal review by Bungie had already pointed out flaws with the in-development project, but Kotaku’s sources confirm that the title is essentially “on ice at this point.”
Are you still looking forward to the Last of Us multiplayer game? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.
Shoutouts to Kotaku.
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