TinyBuild layoffs lead to HakJak Studios being shutdown
HakJak Studios has closed due to “restructurings” and layoffs at publisher TinyBuild.
Yesterday (December 5) it was reported (via Eurogamer) from publisher TinyBuild, best known for its Hello neighbour series, was hit by layoffs, most notably at three studios in Serbia.
At the time, it was stated that between 10 and 30 percent of each studio was affected. Employees were reportedly not informed in advance and were instead pulled into one-on-one meetings where they were told the news and let it go.
However, today (6 December) former employees confirmed that HakJak Studios has closed due to the layoffs, with some taking to social media to share the news.
“Unfortunately, HakJak Studios has been affected by the 'restructuring' and layoffs at TinyBuild – our studio is closed with immediate effect,” said producer Amanda Farough on LinkedIn. 'To say I am devastated is an incredible understatement.
“I will be posting portfolios, resumes and lots of love for all my colleagues. This team, this studio, has been such a bright light in a very challenging year (both personally and professionally) and I am heartbroken not to send our game. I love this team with every fiber of my being.”
HakJak Studios worked on Pigeon simulator, a “physics sandbox roguelike” before it closed. The game had not yet received an official release date, but was expected to release on PC.
Former narrative director at HakJak, Colin McInerney, also started working on it Tweet to say, “TinyBuild is closing HakJak Studios today. I've been in this industry for over eight years and it was truly the best team I've ever worked with.
“I love making video games. I hate the way this industry works. I'm looking for work in narrative/technological design.”
a trading update from TinyBuild provides more details on the restructuring efforts, with CEO Alex Nichiporchik citing “weak demand for video games and the sudden reversal of market dynamics that had favored us in recent years” for the publisher's troubles, before ending his statement by commenting on the job cuts.
“It is physically painful to say goodbye to colleagues after all the good work they have put into the company,” says Nichiporchik. “The only reason to justify this decision is that the company has entered a crucial phase and I am determined to do everything I can to ensure that we get through this difficult period. We now owe it to all our stakeholders to to come back and deliver what we can. tinyBuild can achieve this.”
For more information, check out our list of the best pc gamesalong with our picks for the best Xbox Game Pass titles.