Layoffs Hit The Chinese Room, But Bloodlines 2 Releases as Planned

Image: Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

UK-based developer The Chinese Room has recently laid off several employees, according to multiple posts from former staff on LinkedIn. The studio, best known for atmospheric narrative games like Dear Esther, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, and 2024’s critically acclaimed Still Wakes the Deep, appears to have been affected by broader changes at its parent company, Sumo Group.

While the exact number of employees impacted hasn’t been officially confirmed, at least nine former staffers have publicly acknowledged their exits. Several posts hinted at layoffs, using phrases like “the scourge of redundancy” and “none of us safe from the headsman’s axe,” as reported by Game Developer. Some of those affected include artists and producers who contributed to recent projects, including Still Wakes the Deep: Siren’s Rest, a surprise expansion that launched just days ago.

Now, despite the sudden staffing changes, publisher Paradox Interactive has assured fans that development on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 remains unaffected. The game, which is currently in development at The Chinese Room, is still expected to launch in October 2025. In a statement shared with PC Gamer, Paradox clarified, “Development on Bloodlines 2 is unaffected by the recent staffing changes at The Chinese Room; the game is still scheduled for an October release. We wish those affected the best of luck on their future endeavors.”

The layoffs may be tied to a larger restructuring effort by Sumo Group, which acquired The Chinese Room in 2018. Earlier this year, Sumo announced it would shift its focus entirely toward co-development services, stepping away from original IP creation. Back in June 2024, the group had already laid off 15% of its global workforce and closed down Timbre Games. A follow-up announcement in February 2025 warned of additional impacts on its studios and staff—though specifics were limited at the time.

While the news raises questions about internal stability, especially so close to the release of Bloodlines 2, Paradox’s reassurance will come as a small relief to fans eager for the long-awaited sequel. The Chinese Room has been leading development on the title since 2021, after taking over from the original studio, Hardsuit Labs. The project has seen its fair share of delays, most recently being pushed from summer to October 2025.