The Chinese Room Faces Possible Layoffs Following DLC Launch for Still Wakes the Deep

Image: Still Wakes the Deep

Developer The Chinese Room, known for its critically acclaimed game Still Wakes the Deep, appears to have undergone a small round of layoffs shortly after launching its latest DLC, Siren’s Rest.

In recent days, a few team members—including a lighting artist and a level designer—shared on LinkedIn that they are seeking new opportunities. According to GamesIndustry.biz, roughly 10 individuals still listing the studio as their current employer also have the “open to work” tag on their profiles.

When GamesIndustry.biz contacted the studio for clarity, The Chinese Room didn’t confirm the specific number of layoffs—or whether any had occurred at all. Instead, studio director Ed Daly shared a short statement: “The Chinese Room will share news on changes for the studio in the coming weeks.”

Still Wakes the Deep has been one of the standout narrative-driven titles of 2024, earning three BAFTA awards, including recognition for voice performances by Alec Newman and Karen Dunbar, and for Best New Intellectual Property. It is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Its expansion, Siren’s Rest, launched exactly one year later on June 18, 2025.