League of Geeks announces mass layoffs and halts Jumplight Odyssey development – will distribute 50% of early access profits to employees until work resumes

League of Geeks, the development studio currently working on a space strategy simulation game Jumplight Odyssey and turn-based political strategy game Solium Infernum, has announced cuts to more than 50% of its workforce. That covers the whole Jumplight Odyssey team, indefinitely halting development of the early access game.

The news was announced in a rack posted to Twitter/X by League of Geeks co-founders and directors Trent Kusters, Blake Mizzi and Ty Carey. “Rapidly rising operating costs,” as well as “a weakening AUD, poor early access sales and the unprecedented retreat of financing opportunities across the industry” were blamed for putting the studio “in a position where we could no longer afford to continue development.” cover. cost.”

They added: “We are devastated to be in this position, and we have done everything we can to prevent this. We are very sorry.”

Further, inside an update posted on the Jumplight Odyssey Steam page, Kusters described the process of 'saying goodbye to many of our best friends' as 'traumatic'. He clarified that the team does not want this to be the end of the game: “If the investment in the project becomes reality, and the circumstances exist in which it is financially possible for us to restart this game, we will absolutely do. However, the stark reality is that, at least right now, it is a very scary time (economically speaking) for indie developers of our size.”

It was also confirmed that this was in an effort to “give back” to the team that worked on it Jumplight Odyssey“For the next twelve months or until development resumes, whichever comes first, half of our profits from each unit sold will be distributed to our team (including those whose employment was affected).”

As for the studio's other ongoing project: Solium Infernumthe already announced launch date of February 14, 2024 will apparently not be affected by the layoffs. The same goes for the continued support of League of Geeks' fairytale board game Armello.

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