FuturLab has recently announced a reduction in its workforce, with seven members of its team being let go after the studio decided to cancel a project that was unrelated to its flagship title, PowerWash Simulator. The decision was communicated by CEO Kirsty Rigden in an interview with This Week in Video Games, where she explained that the cancelled venture was still in the pre‑production phase and had become financially untenable. "Continuing with it would have cost us more than the revenue it was projected to generate, so persisting would not have been a sensible business move," Rigden said.
Rigden emphasized that the studio remains fully committed to delivering the best possible sequel to PowerWash Simulator, while also continuing to prototype new concepts for future titles. "Our focus is on making PowerWash Simulator 2 the highest‑quality experience we can, and at the same time we’re exploring fresh ideas for upcoming games.
This dual focus has required us to reassess our long‑term plans and the resources needed to achieve them," she added. The CEO expressed genuine regret over the layoffs, describing the departing employees as "super‑talented" individuals, many of whom had been with FuturLab for a considerable period. "These are people I deeply respect and appreciate. The decision was neither easy nor swift, but making tough choices early helps safeguard the studio’s future stability," Rigden stated.
When pressed about whether the departures were formally classified as redundancies, Rigden declined to provide specifics, citing confidentiality and legal constraints surrounding the process. "I’m unable to disclose further details about a confidential and legally binding procedure," she responded. According to anonymous sources cited by This Week in Video Games, the cancellation of the unnamed project was announced by Rigden in late June.
The venture had reportedly been under development for two to three years before being halted. One insider claimed that the staff working on the project were left without new assignments for several weeks, creating uncertainty about their roles. The seven individuals who were ultimately let go were reportedly made redundant in July.
Sources indicated that managers and team leads were not informed in advance about which of their direct reports would be departing or the reasons behind the decision. In August, a meeting was held in which FuturLab’s chief operating officer, Chris Mehers, allegedly described the situation as a restructuring of the studio.
During a subsequent gathering, employees were instructed to avoid using the term "redundancy" and instead refer to the departing staff as "the leavers." The rationale given to the remaining team was that the seven former employees were not required for the development of PowerWash Simulator 2, and their exit would not affect the progress of the sequel. Managers and team leads were reportedly excluded from the selection process for the layoffs, a move described as an attempt to shield them from guilt and to reduce the emotional strain on the affected employees, who might otherwise have endured prolonged uncertainty about their job security. In earlier coverage, GamesIndustry.biz had spoken with Rigden about the studio’s future direction, including the cancelled project.
Rigden explained that FuturLab has traditionally pursued a strategy of working on two projects simultaneously. "We have another game in the pipeline that I’m really excited about.
We don’t want to be known solely as a PowerWash studio; we’re constantly asking ourselves, ‘What else can we create?’" she said. The situation at FuturLab highlights a broader challenge faced by many mid‑size game developers: balancing the desire to innovate with the financial realities of game production. While the cancellation of a long‑running project can be disheartening for the team members involved, it also reflects a pragmatic approach to resource allocation.
By cutting a project that was projected to be unprofitable, the studio aims to preserve its core assets and ensure that its flagship title, PowerWash Simulator 2, receives the necessary attention and funding. Industry observers note that the language used by companies during layoffs can be indicative of the corporate culture and the legal environment. The instruction to avoid the word "redundancy" and to label departing staff as "the leavers" suggests an effort to manage internal morale and possibly mitigate any negative perception among remaining employees.
It also points to the sensitivity surrounding employment law and the potential ramifications of publicly acknowledging redundancies. For the seven individuals who left FuturLab, the transition may involve seeking new opportunities within the gaming sector or leveraging their experience to move into related fields such as interactive media, virtual reality, or even independent development.
Their tenure at a studio known for a successful indie title could serve as a valuable credential in a competitive job market. Looking ahead, FuturLab’s commitment to continuing work on PowerWash Simulator 2 and exploring new game concepts indicates that the studio intends to maintain its presence in the market while diversifying its portfolio. The CEO’s remarks about excitement for upcoming projects suggest that, despite the recent setbacks, the leadership remains optimistic about the company’s creative trajectory. Overall, the episode underscores the complex interplay between creative ambition, financial stewardship, and human resources management in the video game industry.
While the loss of staff is regrettable, FuturLab’s decision to streamline its operations may ultimately position it to deliver a stronger sequel and to venture into new gaming experiences in the near future.