Black Forest Games Undergoes Major Layoffs: Impact on Upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Game Unclear
According to a report from Kotaku, German video game developer Black Forest Games has recently undergone significant layoffs. Approximately half of the studio’s workforce has been affected.
Black Forest Games: Background and Recent Projects
Fans of the gaming industry will recognize Black Forest Games for their impressive remakes of the action-adventure classics, Destroy All Humans and Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed.
Announcement of Layoffs and Absence of Explanation
The layoffs were reportedly announced on January 24th. Management has not provided a clear explanation for this decision, only stating that “more information would be provided next week”.
Creative Directors and Managers Keep Their Jobs
Kotaku reports that the creative directors and most, if not all, of the managers will keep their jobs.
Upcoming Game: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
Black Forest Games is currently working on the highly anticipated game adaptation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. This action RPG is set to be released in March 2023. With an edgy alternative to the beloved ninja turtles, it promises to offer a stark contrast to colorful titles like Shredder’s Revenge.
Uncertainty Surrounding Development of TMNT: The Last Ronin
With half the workforce gone, it’s uncertain how this will affect the development for TMNT: The Last Ronin. Potential delays could occur as Black Forest Games recuperates and reorganizes.
Continuation of Industry-Wide Layoffs
Sadly, 2024 continues the trend of devastating layoffs that hit many companies last year. Dead by Daylight developer Behaviour Interactive and Lords of the Fallen publisher CI Games both made significant cuts, affecting about 10% of their employees.
Lost Boys Interactive, the developer behind Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, also recently faced layoffs.
Hope for a Slowing Down of Layoffs in the New Year
Here’s hoping that this trend begins to slow down soon, heading into the new year.
Additional Gaming News: The Pokémon Company Files Lawsuit for Trademark Infringement
For more of the latest gaming news, check out The Pokémon Company’s recent announcement of a lawsuit for trademark infringement.
