Don’t Nod Restructures to Focus on Core Genres

Don't Nod has unveiled a new studio structure, dividing its operations into three main branches centered on its core genres: role-playing games, narrative-driven adventures, and action-packed adventures. This strategic move aims to highlight the company's expertise in these areas and reinforce its dual role as a developer and publisher. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, Don't Nod confirmed that this restructuring did not lead to any job losses. A company spokesperson noted: "Following our reorganisation, there were no redundancies at Don't Nod. The year 2023 was remarkable for us, with a plethora of high-quality games released, including both small-scale innovative titles and large-scale productions. However, it was also a challenging period for the industry as a whole, marked by widespread layoffs and job losses, even among critically acclaimed projects. Fortunately, we have not been affected by layoffs. As we look back on the year, our goal is to maintain our integrity and resilience in the face of industry challenges. We strive to continue creating thought-provoking and daring games that contribute positively to the gaming landscape for years to come." Don't Nod's CEO, Oskar Guilbert, explained that the restructure is designed to deepen the company's expertise in these three genres, with a focus on "strategic business growth" to solidify its position as a market leader. He added: "Our new organisation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality games across successful genres. By cultivating expertise within these branches, we can develop more specialised in-house tools and achieve cost optimisation in production. By improving our productivity and internal capabilities, we aim to deliver memorable and unique gaming experiences that resonate with players worldwide." Don't Nod entered the third-party publishing market two years ago, following its decision to self-publish its games in 2020. In late 2022, we discussed the company's third-party publishing strategy with Guilbert and CMO Sophie Filip. Earlier this year, French union STJV raised concerns about the welfare of Don't Nod employees, citing alleged erratic organisation and an excessive workload. The company responded by stating that it took these concerns seriously but believed the allegations did not align with its values and culture.