**Title:** Smilegate Barcelona Closes Down: What We Know So Far about the Studio Behind Crossfire and Lost Ark
**Subtitle:** Layoffs hit the gaming industry as Smilegate Barcelona employees share news of studio closure on LinkedIn
**Section 1: Smilegate Barcelona Closes Down – What’s Happening?**
Game director Stephane Blais from Smilegate Barcelona announced on LinkedIn that the studio is shutting down, with all employees being laid off. His post likened the current state of the gaming industry to “a game of Battleship.” Other Smilegate Barcelona employees also confirmed the news on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude for the company’s support during the transition.
**Section 2: Smilegate Barcelona – A Recognized Name in Gaming Industry**
Best known for its work on the Crossfire series and Lost Ark, Smilegate also published games like Epic Seven, Final Assault, and a mobile strategy title called Outerplane.
**Section 3: Barcelona Studio’s Open-World AAA Game for Consoles – Future Uncertain**
Smilegate established Smilegate Barcelona just a few years ago, with the development team working on an open-world AAA game for consoles. Although details about the project were limited, it is unclear what will happen to this game following the studio’s closure.
**Section 4: Layoffs in the Gaming Industry – A Common Theme**
Smilegate Barcelona is not alone in facing layoffs. Yesterday, Xbox head Phil Spencer suggested that Activision Blizzard’s recent layoffs were due to financial pressures and the need for profit. Earlier this month, Respawn Entertainment laid off 5% of its workforce, including long-term employees from the Apex Legends team.
Smilegate Barcelona Closes Down: All Employees Laid Off
According to game director Stephane Blais on LinkedIn, Smilegate Barcelona is closing down and all employees are being let go. Myles Kerwin, a level designer at the studio, also confirmed this news on LinkedIn and thanked Smilegate for providing them with their PCs and monitors.
Recognized for Crossfire Series, Lost Ark, and More
Smilegate Barcelona will be remembered for its work on the popular Crossfire series, Lost Ark, Epic Seven, Final Assault, and Outerplane.
Open-World AAA Game for Consoles: What’s Next?
The Barcelona studio was working on an open-world AAA game for consoles, but it’s unclear what will happen to the project following the closure. Smilegate has yet to release an official statement about the studio’s future plans for this game and the reasons behind the layoffs.
Industry-wide Layoffs: Smilegate Barcelona Joins the List
Smilegate Barcelona is not alone in facing layoffs. Yesterday, Xbox head Phil Spencer suggested that Activision Blizzard’s recent layoffs were due to financial pressures and the need for profit. The Apex Legends team at Respawn also recently laid off 5% of its workforce, including long-term employees.
Latest Gaming Industry News: Dev Startup Popularium Announces Plans to Launch
Amidst the layoffs, there is some positive news in the gaming industry. Dev startup Popularium has announced plans to launch its game development platform, offering a new opportunity for developers. Stay tuned for more Insider Gaming news.
**Game Director Stephane Blais Announces Closure of Smilegate Barcelona Studio**
In a shocking development, game director Stephane Blais announced on LinkedIn that Smilegate Barcelona is closing down and all employees are being laid off. Other employees at the studio also confirmed the news, with Level Designer Myles Kerwin sharing that today was their last day at Smilegate Barcelona.
Smilegate is best known for its work on the Crossfire series and Lost Ark, as well as publishing games like Epic Seven, Final Assault, and mobile strategy title Outerplane. The Barcelona studio was established just a few years ago and was working on an open-world AAA game for consoles.
**Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of Smilegate Barcelona’s Game**
It’s unclear what will happen to the open-world AAA game that Smilegate Barcelona was developing. The team likely made significant progress on it before the closure, so it’s hoped that Smilegate will reveal its plans for the game soon and explain the reasons behind the layoffs.
**Layoffs Hit the Gaming Industry: Xbox Head Phil Spencer Speaks Out**
The closure of Smilegate Barcelona is just one of many layoffs in the gaming industry. Yesterday, Xbox head Phil Spencer suggested that the layoffs at Activision Blizzard were due to cost-cutting and the need for profit.
Earlier this month, the Apex Legends team at Respawn announced layoffs, affecting 5% of its workforce and reportedly including employees who had been with the company for years.
**Industry Insights: Dev Startup Popularium Announces Plans to Expand**
Despite the layoffs, there is still movement in the gaming industry. Yesterday, dev startup Popularium announced plans to expand and hire new talent. For more of the latest Insider Gaming news, stay tuned.
Smilegate Barcelona Closes Down: All Employees Laid Off
Game director Stephane Blais announced on LinkedIn that Smilegate Barcelona is closing down, and all employees are being laid off. Other employees also confirmed the news.
Industry Comparison: Current State of Gaming Industry Like a Game of Battleship
Blais compared the current state of the industry to “a game of Battleship,” but praised his colleagues as a “fantastic and really dedicated team.”
Last Day at Smilegate Barcelona: Level Designer Myles Kerwin Confirms Closure
Myles Kerwin, a level designer at Smilegate Barcelona, confirmed that today marked the last day of the studio. He thanked Smilegate for being supportive and giving the devs their PCs and monitors.
Smilegate’s Recognized Games: Crossfire, Lost Ark, Epic Seven, Final Assault, and Outerplane
Smilegate is best known for its work on the Crossfire series and Lost Ark. The company also published games like Epic Seven, Final Assault, and a mobile strategy title called Outerplane.
Smilegate Barcelona’s Project: Open World AAA Game for Consoles
Smilegate established the Barcelona studio a few years ago, and the development team was working on an open world AAA game for consoles. However, it’s unclear what the future of this game will be following the studio closure.
Smilegate’s Silence: No Official Statement on Barcelona Studio Closure
Smilegate has not released an official statement about the Barcelona studio closure at this time.
Industry Turmoil: Layoffs Impacting Gaming Industry
Besides Smilegate Barcelona, many other studios have been affected by layoffs. Yesterday, Xbox head Phil Spencer suggested that the layoffs at Activision Blizzard were due to financial reasons and the need for profit.
Respawn’s Layoffs: Apex Legends Team Affected
Earlier this month, the Apex Legends team at Respawn announced layoffs that affected 5% of its workforce. Reportedly, some employees who had worked there for years were included in the cuts.
Popularium’s Plans: New Dev Startup Announces Plans to Enter Gaming Industry
Besides industry layoffs, new developments are on the horizon. Yesterday, dev startup Popularium announced plans to enter the gaming industry with its first title, a narrative-driven RPG called “Heart of the Emberstone.” Stay tuned for more Insider Gaming news on this exciting new venture.
