More industry woes are coming, with Paris-based publisher/developer Don’t Nod announcing a series of layoffs and the cancellation of two indefinitely delayed projects. This message is consistent with the company’s message latest financial reportwhich indicates an 11% year-over-year decline in operating revenues. Much of the blame, at least in advance, is placed on the destitute performance of Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden.
In the statement (thanks, IGN), CEO Oskar Guilbert, said: “Our half-year 2024 results reflect the weak economic performance of our latest release, despite solid ratings on Metacritic, as well as the accounting impact of the decisions we have had to make.” Guilbert adds that this will require a reorganization of the company and the cancellation of two of the seven projects still in production in March. Of the company’s estimated 320 employees, this will likely result in an oddly specific reduction of up to 69 jobs.
The fiery French union Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travaileuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV), which is currently staging a strike outside Ubisoft’s offices, responded: condemning this newshaving previously noticed red flags in “Don’t Nod”. The atmosphere sounds quite explosive, and part of the STJV statement reads: “We warned them a long time ago, but they ignored us and accused us of being too aggressive to talk to us. With this layoff plan, they are creating an atmosphere of extreme violence. We call on all Don’t Nod employees to mobilize to save their jobs and working conditions.”
