Supermassive Games cuts over 70 roles as self-publishing bet strains studio finances
Summary
Supermassive Games laid off more than 70 staff in early October 2026.
The company had warned of up to 75 cuts back in August.
This is the second major layoff round in fifteen months.
Directive 8020, launched in May to mixed reviews, was Supermassive's first self-published title.
01
Bandai Namco's exit shifted publishing costs onto Supermassive
Bandai Namco published Dark Pictures' first four entries under its label.
Supermassive self-published the fifth entry, Directive 8020, covering its own costs.
July 2025's 30-plus layoffs delayed that self-published launch before it shipped in May.
Directive 8020 then met mixed reviews from critics and players.
02
Leadership turnover accompanied the second layoff round
CEO Robert Henrysson, who joined in January 2024, stepped down in June 2026.
Henrysson cited wanting to enjoy summer with his family as his reason.
Talent acquisition leader Tim Browning and 16-year IT director Frank Tindle both departed in October.
"The studio grew from a handful of us to more than 400 people."
03
Self-publishing added financial exposure without a bigger hit
Two layoff rounds have now followed Supermassive's shift away from Bandai Namco's backing.
Directive 8020's mixed reception followed a self-funded release cycle, unlike earlier Bandai Namco titles.
The studio cited sustainability concerns twice within fifteen months of self-publishing its own title.
What this means
For Publishers & Developers: Secure publisher or co-funding commitments before self-publishing a mid-budget narrative sequel.
For Investors & VC: Add post-publisher-exit cash runway to diligence on studios moving to self-publishing.
For Service Vendors: Recruit released UK narrative-horror developers to expand co-dev capacity ahead of competitors.
Events
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Locations
United Kingdom
COMPILED BY GAMES ATLAS EDITORIAL
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