Slant Six, the Canadian studio behind the well-received Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, has laid off about a fourth of its staff. The company maintains this is not permanent and has also offered its employees a choice between a severance package and thirteen weeks of unemployment with the possibility of being called back to work once new projects are signed.
“We must stress that these are temporary layoffs, which means we are working very hard on new business prospects so we can reinstate every single person affected,” according to a company statement. “As an independent and close-knit studio it is a very difficult but necessary business measure due to the current project cycle demands.”
Background on Slant Six Games
Slant Six Games, founded in 2005, has made a name for itself in the gaming industry with a series of notable titles. The studio is best known for its work on the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, which received a mixed but generally positive reception from fans and critics alike. The game was praised for its cooperative gameplay and unique take on the Resident Evil universe, although it faced some criticism for technical issues and deviations from the series’ traditional survival horror roots.
In addition to Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Slant Six has developed other games such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3. These titles have contributed to the studio’s reputation for creating engaging multiplayer experiences.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The layoffs at Slant Six are indicative of the broader challenges faced by independent game studios. The gaming industry is highly competitive, and securing funding for new projects can be difficult, especially for smaller studios. The cyclical nature of game development means that studios often experience periods of intense activity followed by lulls as they await the green light for new projects.
Despite these challenges, Slant Six remains optimistic about its future. The company’s decision to offer a choice between a severance package and thirteen weeks of unemployment with the possibility of being called back to work demonstrates a commitment to its employees. This approach provides some financial stability for affected staff while also keeping the door open for their return once new projects are secured.
The studio’s statement emphasizes their dedication to finding new business opportunities: “We are working very hard on new business prospects so we can reinstate every single person affected.” This proactive stance suggests that Slant Six is actively seeking partnerships, funding, and new projects to ensure the studio’s continued success.
Industry Trends and Implications
The situation at Slant Six highlights several important trends and implications within the gaming industry. First, it underscores the volatility and uncertainty that can accompany game development. Even well-established studios with successful titles can face financial difficulties and project delays.
Second, the layoffs reflect the broader economic pressures on the gaming industry. The cost of developing high-quality games has risen significantly, and studios must navigate complex financial landscapes to secure the necessary resources. This often involves balancing the need for creative innovation with the practicalities of budget constraints and market demands.
Finally, the response from Slant Six demonstrates the importance of maintaining a flexible and adaptive approach in the face of challenges. By offering options to their employees and actively pursuing new opportunities, the studio is positioning itself to weather the current difficulties and emerge stronger in the future.
In conclusion, while the temporary layoffs at Slant Six are undoubtedly a difficult situation for the affected employees and the studio as a whole, the company’s proactive measures and commitment to finding new projects offer hope for a positive resolution. The gaming industry remains a dynamic and evolving field, and studios like Slant Six must continually adapt to thrive in this competitive environment.
Source: Gamespot
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