Outplay Entertainment Lays Off 21 Employees Amid Strategic Shift Toward Publisher Partnerships

Image: Subway Surfers Blast by Outplay Entertainment

Outplay Entertainment, the Dundee-based studio behind mobile titles like Gordon Ramsay’s Chef Blast, Angry Birds Pop!, and Subway Surfers Blast, has laid off 21 employees as part of a company-wide restructuring.

The decision affects roughly 15% of the workforce, based on the studio's previously stated headcount of 135.

In a statement to MobileGamer.biz, CEO Douglas Hare confirmed the job cuts, explaining that the move was necessary to "align our operations with current business realities" and support a strategic pivot toward partnering with publishers for future game development.

“This was not a decision we took lightly,” said Hare. “We are incredibly grateful to the talented individuals affected, many of whom have made lasting contributions to our games and culture. We are doing everything we can to support them through this transition.”

Outplay is known for developing high-profile licensed mobile games in collaboration with major partners like Rovio (Angry Birds) and Sybo (Subway Surfers), and has long touted itself as the largest independent mobile game developer in the UK.