Deck Nine Games, the developer behind Life is Strange: Double Exposure, has announced another round of layoffs in 2024, marking a challenging period for the Colorado-based studio. Studio CEO Mark Lyons shared the news on LinkedIn, expressing regret over the decision and its impact on the team.
A Difficult Decision
“Today, we are sad to share the news that we must say goodbye to some of our talented team members,” Lyons wrote. “This was an extremely difficult decision and reflects the challenging times many companies in our industry are facing.”
While the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, this marks the second round of layoffs this year. In February, Deck Nine cut 20 percent of its workforce, citing “worsening market conditions.” These layoffs follow another wave in May 2023, during which 30 employees were let go without a detailed explanation.
Recent Release Under Pressure
The news arrives shortly after the release of Life is Strange: Double Exposure on October 29, a continuation of the beloved narrative-driven franchise. While the game’s reception has yet to be fully evaluated, questions loom about how the layoffs will affect ongoing support and future projects related to the series.
An Industry-Wide Challenge
The gaming industry has faced widespread layoffs throughout 2024, with multiple studios reducing their workforce due to shifting market dynamics and economic pressures. Deck Nine’s latest decision underscores these challenges, even for studios with established franchises and recent releases.
Lyons Appeals for Support
In his statement, Lyons asked for the understanding of fans and stakeholders as the studio navigates this turbulent period. “We hope for your support and understanding while we regroup and plan for the future,” he wrote.
Uncertain Future
For now, it remains unclear how Deck Nine’s projects—including ongoing work on Double Exposure—will be affected by the layoffs. As the studio moves forward, both employees and fans will be watching closely to see how the developer manages this difficult chapter.
Key Points
- Deck Nine Games has initiated another round of layoffs in 2024.
- Studio CEO Mark Lyons cited “challenging times” for the decision.
- This is the second round of layoffs in 2024, following a 20% workforce reduction in February.
- In May 2023, the studio laid off 30 employees without detailed explanation.
- Recent release Life is Strange: Double Exposure launched on October 29, 2