Iron Galaxy Studios lays off 66 employees amid industry challenges

Chicago-based indie developer Iron Galaxy Studios has laid off 66 employees across its offices in Chicago, Orlando, and Nashville. 

The studio took to LinkedIn to share that the staff cuts were necessary for its “long-term survival" and acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the game development industry in recent years. 

Despite efforts to maintain its teams, the studio said that it can no longer sustain its workforce due to the ongoing slow recovery in the industry.

“Today, Iron Galaxy is parting ways with some of our developers and support staff," it wrote. “In total, we have reduced our employee base by 66 people. This was a means of last resort for us. It's a measure we do not take lightly to enable our long-term survival."

Pushing forward 

Iron Galaxy said it will continue to collaborate with partners on game creation and supporting the industry's recovery and will explore new ways to contribute while focusing on helping laid-off teammates transition to new roles. 

The studio is known for co-developing and supporting franchises like Call of Duty, The Last of Us, and Uncharted. It also co-developed Scribblenauts Remix mobile game alongside 5th Cell. 

It employed over 250 people in March 2022. At that time, the studio planned to hire more than 100 additional staff for the opening of its third studio.