Playtonic Games Cuts Jobs as Gaming Industry Layoffs Continue

Playtonic Games, the UK-based developer best known for Yooka-Laylee, has reportedly undergone a wave of layoffs, with several talented team members losing their jobs.

The situation was first publicly acknowledged by Steve James, Playtonic’s former community manager, who shared his concerns on Bluesky just two weeks after departing the company. James expressed his sadness over the layoffs, noting that many skilled developers are now “at risk” and urging others to support them by amplifying their job search posts online.

“What should’ve been a good week for me has been made bittersweet knowing so many of my friends and former colleagues are now facing uncertainty,” James wrote.

Junior VFX Artist Joupin Ahmed and Assistant Producer Mae Davidson are among those now seeking new employment opportunities. Additionally, UI Artist James Feakins faces the possibility of redundancy, as reported through LinkedIn posts shared by current and former staff members (Thanks Nintendo Life).

Despite these setbacks, Playtonic continues working on upcoming projects. The company's publishing arm, Playtonic Friends, plans to release Castle Pixel's "Cattle Country," which combines Western themes with life simulation and farming gameplay. Meanwhile, the main development team works on "Yooka-Replaylee," a remake of their original hit game planned for the upcoming Switch 2 console.

These job cuts reflect broader challenges facing the gaming industry. Major companies like EA and Respawn Entertainment also announced significant layoffs just weeks ago.