Just when we were trying to digest the sour layoff at Rocksteady, we heard that free-to-play games publisher Tilting Point has made a deep cut to its headcount. The studio founder and CEO Kevin Segalla confirmed the layoff through a message sent to Mobile Gamer.
Founded in 2012, Tilting Point promotes itself as a partner-first company that empowers indie developers to grow and accelerate. The company has its headquarters in New York but also has offices in Boston, Barcelona, Kyiv, Los Angeles, Seoul, and San Diego.
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Tilting Point is behind some of the most successful franchises in the industry including Star Trek Timelines, Warhammer: Chaos & Conquest, and SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off. The company employs a data-driven approach to user acquisition which has helped it to achieve success.
According to the company’s website, Tilting Point has powered up more than 80 free-to-play games. This is the second cut the company has made in two years. Last year, around 60 people were laid off from the company.
“As anyone watching the games industry is acutely aware, the current market is tough and it has impacted us as well,” said Segalla through a PR rep. “We have done everything we can to maintain the shape of the business as long as possible, however, we have come to a point where we have had to make some difficult decisions in order to continue operating a healthy ongoing company.”
“Unfortunately, this includes layoffs of some of our amazing colleagues in different parts of the organization. These layoffs could amount to as much as 20% of our global team. We are making every effort we can to support those who are departing, including helping outgoing employees to find new positions and creating a Tilting Point Alumni network, where alums can support and refer employees to their current and new employers.”
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In 2022, Tilting Point signed a partnership deal that will bring multiple mobile games to Netflix. The games are free for Netflix subscribers and feature no ads. SpongeBob: Get Cooking and Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited were part of the deal.
Reactions from employees impacted by Tilting Point layoffs
Layoffs in the video game industry have become so frequent that to some it is now mere statistics. GameBaba Universe always tries to humanize those impacted by layoffs by bringing their feelings and thoughts to the fore.
While not many people are comfortable announcing their layoff, those who do, deserve a listening ear. GameBaba Universe spotted two posts made by employees impacted by the layoffs at Tilting Point.
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“It’s with mixed emotions that I share news of my departure from Tilting Point, as I, along with many talented colleagues, have been impacted by recent layoffs,” wrote game producer Romana Witschi. “While this is an unexpected turn, I’m optimistic about the future and excited to explore new opportunities in my career.”
Product manager and game designer Kerem Özer announced that he was looking for a new role while soliciting the support of his connections to make that happen.
Sweeping layoffs happened in the game industry last year. However, this year’s numbers so far have already eclipsed that of last year. But, when will it end? We wish we knew.
