By Sagar V. Mankar 
The gaming industry has seen its first layoffs of 2025, with Netmarble F&C cutting around 20 employees, approximately 25% of its workforce.
Netmarble F&C, a subsidiary of South Korean developer and publisher Netmarble, is currently developing Demis Reborn, a mobile role-playing game (RPG) set to launch in 2025. However, the game’s development has faced several challenges, including significant revisions to its art style and overall design to cater to adult audiences. These changes reportedly created internal disagreements among team members, complicating the development process.
The layoffs appear to be part of a strategic restructuring. Some of the affected employees were transferred to other projects, such as Seven Deadly Sins Origin, while others face uncertain futures with pending appointments. Despite these changes, Netmarble F&C remains committed to releasing Demis Reborn and has stated it will reinforce the team if necessary to avoid delays.
The past two years have been particularly harsh for the gaming industry, with over 16,000 layoffs recorded in 2024. As we step into 2025, the question remains whether the industry will see a recovery or continue facing workforce challenges.
Source: YNA and Insider Gaming