The recent news of all 36 employees of Humble Games publishing being laid off has sparked controversy in the gaming industry. Business developer Nicola Kwan reported that staff were informed of the company’s shutdown at 9am, but Humble Games disputes this claim. In a statement to Game Developer, they assert that the publishing label is undergoing restructuring due to “challenging economic times for indie game publishing.” This conflicting information has raised doubts about the true nature of the company’s current situation.
Former employees of Humble Games have come forward to share their perspectives on the situation. Chris Radley, the company’s former creative lead, publicly stated that the shutdown is not a restructuring of operations, but a total closure of Humble Games. He emphasized that all operations have been handed off to a third-party consultancy and no staff remain at the company. Additionally, an unnamed employee referred to the restructuring claims as an attempt by Humble Games to “save face,” implying that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.
The reported lack of signed projects for 2026 and 2027, coupled with Ziff Davis’s declining stock value, paints a grim picture of Humble Games’ financial health. The decision to shut down the publishing label may have been influenced by the company’s inability to secure viable offers or outcomes from previous attempts to sell the business. With the remaining publishing projects being handed over to a third-party consulting firm, the future of Humble Games appears uncertain.
The closure of Humble Games has raised concerns about the broader implications for indie game development. Employees and industry insiders fear that the decision to shut down the publishing label will have negative consequences for the indie gaming community. One anonymous employee expressed disappointment in the company’s choice, stating that it will not only hurt employees and projects in development but also hinder indie development in the long run. The lack of stability and support for indie developers is a troubling sign for the industry as a whole.
Pattern of Layoffs
This recent round of layoffs is not an isolated incident for Humble Games. In fact, it marks the second wave of layoffs in recent months, following the firing of an unspecified number of staff from the publishing arm last November. This pattern of downsizing has raised questions about the company’s long-term viability and its commitment to its employees. The revolving door of layoffs in the game industry reflects a larger trend of instability and uncertainty for those working in the field.
The downfall of Humble Games publishing raises important questions about the challenges facing indie game development and the well-being of industry professionals. The conflicting narratives surrounding the company’s closure, coupled with the impact on employees and projects, highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the gaming industry. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to prioritize the welfare of their employees and uphold ethical standards in their business practices.
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