In a move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Intercept Games, has announced the closure of the Seattle-based studio responsible for the popular space flight simulation game Kerbal Space Program 2.
The decision is part of a broader cost reduction program that has led to the layoff of approximately 70 employees and the shuttering of two subsidiaries, including the acclaimed UK developer Roll7.
The closure notice filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department on Monday confirmed the layoffs and the end of Intercept Games’ operations. This news comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the recent updates and development progress shared by the Kerbal Space Program 2 team. Just last week, the game’s creative director, Nate Simpson, expressed gratitude for the community’s support as they worked toward the ‘Colonies’ update.
Take-Two Interactive has been on a cost-cutting spree, announcing last month that it would lay off five percent of its 11,000-strong workforce, equating to around 550 people. This is part of a strategy to streamline its organizational structure and eliminate several projects in development.
Despite the recent job cuts, Take-Two’s Private Division publishing arm has reassured that they remain fully committed to providing ongoing support for Kerbal Space Program 2. The gaming industry has been facing a wave of layoffs, with an estimated 9,400 people losing their jobs so far in 2024.
This trend is not limited to Take-Two, as other major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Riot Games have also made significant cuts. The impact of these layoffs is felt deeply by the gaming community, with many expressing their disappointment and concern for the affected employees on social media and forums.
Roll7, the other studio affected by Take-Two’s layoffs, is known for its innovative titles such as OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome. The studio, which was purchased by Private Division in 2021, has been recognized for its exceptional work with multiple awards, including recent wins at BAFTA and DICE.
The future of Kerbal Space Program 2 now hangs in the balance, with fans and industry observers questioning the fate of the game that has yet to reach version 1.0. The early access title has faced criticism for performance issues and a lack of features compared to its predecessor, but there was hope that upcoming updates would address these concerns.
As the dust settles on this announcement, the gaming community is left to ponder the implications of such closures on the industry’s creative landscape. The loss of talented teams and the potential cancellation of beloved projects is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming business. For now, fans of Kerbal Space Program 2 and Roll7’s titles can only wait and see what the future holds for these franchises and the people behind them.
Related posts:
Kerbal Space Program 2 studio reportedly shut down by Take-Two
Take-Two is shutting down the studios behind Rollerdrome and Kerbal Space Program 2
Kerbal Space Program 2 studio, Intercept Games, apparently closed by parent company Take-Two
