The last layoffs from Hi-Rez Studios came in late 2024, and now they have seemingly conducted layoffs again this week. At the time of writing, approximately 30 employees have revealed that they were impacted by these layoffs across social media. Their announcements have been compiled into a single Reddit megathread.
So far, the reason behind the layoffs hasn't been disclosed. Jake Lucky suggests that the cuts to the team are "massive," with most of the layoffs impacting the Smite team, with a team currently working on Smite 2, which is in Open Beta.
The previous layoffs at Hi-Rez came in October 2024, with the impacted staff working on cosmetic and system features on the original Smite. However, this new round of layoffs seems to have impacted a wide variety of roles across the company. This includes producers, designers, programmers, and even Esports commentators.
It's uncertain whether Hi-Rez will make a comment about these layoffs or whether they are trying to keep them on the down low. However, when the layoffs in October took place, CEO Stewart Chisam took to social media to explain the reasoning behind the layoffs, saying that it was to ensure the longevity of Smite 2, with hopes that the game would "last into the 2030s."
However, since those layoffs, Chisam's X account has been deleted, which is where he originally made his announcement regarding the layoffs. His announcement was also posted on LinkedIn. At present, there has been no sign of an announcement or explanation behind these layoffs.
The staff impacted have been releasing their statements regarding their time at Hi-Rez Studios and also going on to express their frustration regarding the layoffs. Some stated that they knew that it was coming, even though they felt it shouldn't have happened.
It's likely that this is part of a strategy shift, much like the layoffs that took place in October, to downsize the amount of staff that are currently working on the original Smite. Whether any of the staff members impacted will be given an opportunity to transfer to other departments within the company remains to be seen, alongside whether or not Hi-Rez Studios will be aiding the staff impacted.
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