PlaySide Studios, Australia’s “largest” independent video game developer, has announced a wave of layoffs as part of a broader company-wide restructuring initiative, citing ongoing financial pressures and a lack of new contract signings.
The studio, known for its work on both original games and collaborations with major entertainment companies, confirmed the redundancies in an investor statement released this week.
“Today we’ve made the decision to commence a consultation process across our studios,” said PlaySide CEO Benn Skender. “While a prolonged period with no new contract signings has been the catalyst, it is also an appropriate time to reflect on our obligation to employees and shareholders to ensure that we strive to build resilience into the Company’s business model.“
Founded in 2011, PlaySide has developed a portfolio of nearly 70 titles across mobile, PC, console, and virtual reality platforms. While best known for casual mobile games like Monkey Ropes, Jurassic Warfare: Dino Battle, and the Dumb Ways to Die series, the company has also ventured into more ambitious projects. These include the dark fantasy RTS Age of Darkness: Final Stand and the upcoming cartoon-noir shooter MOUSE: P.I. For Hire.
Expanding its scope further, PlaySide has embraced VR, with titles such as Sid Meier’s Civilization VII VR and the atmospheric city-builder Dynasty of the Sands currently in development.
The studio has also established licensing partnerships with major IP holders including Disney, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon, producing tie-in games for The LEGO Batman Movie, Batman v Superman, Wonder Woman, and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.
Despite generating $40.9 million (AUD$64.6 million) in revenue earlier this year, the studio has revised its fiscal year 2025 revenue forecast downward to between $31.7 million and $34.2 million (AUD$50–54 million), down from its previous guidance of $39.3 million to $43.1 million (AUD$62–68 million).
PlaySide estimates that the restructuring will yield annual savings of approximately $2.5–$3.1 million (AUD$4–5 million), though the initial cost of implementing the changes is expected to be around $954,000 (AUD$1.5 million). According to Game Developer, the majority of the cuts will impact the studio’s work-for-hire division and employees not currently assigned to active projects.
Despite recent setbacks, the company assures fans that the upcoming Mouse: P.I. For Hire, remains on track and they are also eager to explore new collaborations.”We will continue to look for ways to convert successful Original IP launches into a stronger balance sheet and a more valuable business.”
This move places PlaySide among a growing list of studios facing workforce reductions in 2025. In the first quarter alone, an estimated 1,200 game developers have been laid off across companies including Ubisoft, Iron Galaxy, Netease, Night School Studio, and Eidos Montréal.
Discover more from Gaming Foodle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
