Frontier Developments, the studio behind Kinect Star Wars and the Elite: Dangerous Kickstarter, has announced it’s laying off fourteen people just as the total for the fundraising campaign hit £780k. With 18 days to go, the £1.25 million target seems well within reach, but regardless of the amount brought in, the reason cited for the layoffs is a “changing mix of skills requirements”.
“Frontier regretfully has given a total of 14 people (from a staff of 233) notice that their roles are redundant, across art (9), animation (3) and audio (2) disciplines. This is due to the changing mix of skills requirements for our current and future projects – it is not a reflection on the company’s prospects, which remain healthy,” according to Frontier MD David Walsh.
Impact on the Development Team
The layoffs at Frontier Developments have raised questions about the impact on the development team and the ongoing projects. While the company assures that the layoffs are not indicative of financial trouble, the reduction in staff could potentially affect the workflow and timelines of current and future projects. The affected departments—art, animation, and audio—are crucial to game development, and losing experienced team members in these areas might necessitate adjustments in project management and resource allocation.
For instance, the art department, which saw the highest number of layoffs, plays a vital role in creating the visual elements of a game. The animation team is responsible for bringing characters and environments to life, while the audio team enhances the gaming experience with sound effects and music. The loss of talent in these areas could lead to delays or changes in the quality of the final product.
Future Prospects and Strategic Shifts
Despite the layoffs, Frontier Developments remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company is known for its innovative approach to game development and has a history of successful projects. The decision to lay off staff is attributed to a strategic shift in the skills required for upcoming projects. This suggests that Frontier is adapting to new technologies and methodologies in game development, which may require different expertise than what was previously needed.
For example, the gaming industry is increasingly incorporating advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies demand specialized skills that may not have been part of the traditional game development skill set. By realigning their workforce, Frontier is positioning itself to stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving industry.
Moreover, the success of the Elite: Dangerous Kickstarter campaign demonstrates strong community support and interest in Frontier’s projects. Reaching £780k with 18 days remaining indicates that the £1.25 million target is achievable, providing the company with the necessary funds to continue developing Elite: Dangerous and other future projects. This financial backing can help mitigate the impact of the layoffs and ensure that the company can invest in the required skills and resources.
In conclusion, while the layoffs at Frontier Developments are unfortunate for the affected employees, they reflect a strategic decision to adapt to changing industry demands. The company’s commitment to innovation and the strong support from the gaming community suggest that Frontier will continue to thrive and produce high-quality games. The realignment of skills within the team is a proactive step to ensure that Frontier remains at the forefront of game development, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.
Source Eurogamer
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