Season: A Letter to the Future developer Scavengers Studio has been hit with layoffs after the game underperformed commercially.
As reported by GI.biz, Scavengers staff has been reduced from around 40 members to just 16, with its debut game Season only selling 60,000 copies since its launch in January on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
“While Season received critical acclaim, it did not meet our commercial expectations,” said CEO Amélie Lamarche in a message to staff, obtained by GI.biz. “Despite our efforts to boost sales through content updates and discounts, the game only sold 60,000 copies during its first five months, which falls far short of what the studio needs to survive.”
Lamarche said that, because of “the current global economic context” and Season’s performance, “we have been left with no choice but to make the difficult decision of downsizing the studio to a smaller, sustainable group of game developers. Unfortunately, this means parting ways with all but approximately 16 members of the Scavengers Studio team.”
Scavengers vowed to provide as much help as possible to those laid off including both financial and psychological support alongside extended healthcare coverage and outplacement services to help those affected find new jobs.
“Please remember that our decision to downsize is not a reflection of the talent, dedication, or contributions of each and every one of you,” Lamarche concluded.
Season is a third-person atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game where players take on the role of a young woman exploring the world for the first time after living in a secluded village her entire life. First announced in December 2020 at the Game Awards, Season became a surprise hit but underwent major shifts in development due to an allegedly toxic executive.
The game eventually launched two years later, but was seemingly unable to capitalise on the excitement spurred by its initial reveal.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
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