Another Blow for Starbreeze: Layoffs Hit Payday Developer Again, Leaving Employees Reeling
Just two months after its last round of job cuts, Starbreeze, the studio behind the popular Payday franchise, has reportedly initiated another wave of layoffs, leaving employees devastated and the gaming community concerned. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: this isn't just a minor adjustment—it's a pattern that raises serious questions about the company's future.
According to Insider Gaming, multiple Starbreeze employees took to LinkedIn to share their sudden job losses. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just any employees—they’re seasoned professionals who have dedicated years to the company. For instance, Alexander Pereswetoff-Morath, a former QA worker, wrote, 'Today, many of us at Starbreeze, Stockholm, got sad news and I'm now seeking a new role.' He had been with the company for over seven years, the longest he’d ever stayed at any job. Similarly, Sabina af Jochnick, a former senior tech producer, revealed her role had been identified as 'at risk of redundancy.' Other affected employees include former gameplay programmer Kim Sjöberg and sound designer Mark Trusov, all of whom shared their experiences on LinkedIn.
But here's the controversial part: Is this a necessary business move or a sign of deeper troubles? Starbreeze has been no stranger to challenges in recent years. Last October, the company laid off approximately 44 employees following the cancellation of its highly anticipated Dungeons & Dragons game-as-a-service title, codenamed Project Baxter. The decision came after a strategic review, with the studio concluding that its resources were better allocated to its flagship Payday franchise. However, the relocation of some Project Baxter team members and the redundancy of full-time workers and contractors left many questioning the company’s direction.
Adding to the uncertainty, Starbreeze’s leadership has seen significant changes. In March 2024, Tobias Sjögren stepped down as CEO, with board member Juergen Goeldner taking over as interim replacement. Just two months later, former CFO Mats Juhl assumed the interim CEO role, with no explanation provided for the sudden shift. Last March, former Electronic Arts executive Adolf Kristjansson was appointed CEO, with Juhl returning to his CFO position. These frequent leadership changes, coupled with repeated layoffs, paint a picture of instability.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Starbreeze for further clarification, including the number of staff affected this time. While the company has yet to respond, the impact on employees and the gaming community is undeniable. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are these layoffs a strategic realignment, or do they signal a deeper crisis for Starbreeze? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective on this evolving story.
