FuturLab announced that seven members of its team have been let go after the company decided to terminate a development effort that was unrelated to its flagship title, PowerWash Simulator. The decision, which was communicated by chief executive officer Kirsty Rigden in an interview with This Week in Video Games, stemmed from a financial assessment that the cancelled project would not generate sufficient revenue to justify its ongoing costs. Rigden explained that the venture was halted while still in the pre‑production phase because projections indicated that the expenses would outstrip any realistic earnings, making it an imprudent use of the studio’s resources. In the same statement, Rigden emphasized that FuturLab remains fully dedicated to delivering the best possible sequel to PowerWash Simulator, while also exploring new concepts for future titles.
She noted that this strategic focus required a careful review of the studio’s long‑term plans and staffing needs. "These are incredibly talented individuals, many of whom have been with us for a considerable period," Rigden said, expressing personal appreciation for the departing staff. "The decision was neither easy nor swift, but making tough choices early helps safeguard FuturLab’s future stability." When pressed about whether the seven workers were dismissed through a formal redundancy process, Rigden declined to provide further specifics, citing confidentiality and legal obligations surrounding the matter.
She indicated that details of any legally binding procedures could not be disclosed publicly. According to anonymous sources speaking to This Week in Video Games, the cancellation of the side project was first announced by Rigden in late June.
The unnamed title had reportedly been under development for two to three years, though it never progressed beyond the early planning stages. One insider claimed that, after the announcement, the team members assigned to the project were left without new assignments for several weeks, creating uncertainty about their future roles within the company. The seven individuals who ultimately left the studio were reportedly made redundant in July.
Sources suggested that managers and team leads were not informed in advance about which of their direct reports would be affected, nor were they given an explanation for the sudden departures. In August, a meeting was convened during which FuturLab’s chief operating officer, Chris Mehers, allegedly described the situation as a restructuring effort.
During a follow‑up session, employees were reportedly instructed to avoid the term "redundancy" and instead refer to those who had left as "the leavers." The guidance also included a reassurance that the exiting staff were not required for the development of PowerWash Simulator 2, and that their exit would not impede progress on the sequel. According to the sources, managers and team leads were deliberately excluded from the selection process for the affected employees.
The rationale given was to spare them from personal guilt and to reduce the stress for the departing staff, who otherwise might have faced a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding their job security. Earlier coverage by GamesIndustry.biz captured Rigden’s broader outlook for the studio, including remarks about the cancelled project. She highlighted FuturLab’s historical practice of juggling multiple projects simultaneously, stating, "We have another game 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?’" This sentiment underscores the studio’s ambition to diversify its portfolio beyond the success of its cleaning‑simulation franchise.
The situation at FuturLab reflects a broader trend in the video‑game industry, where mid‑size developers often balance the pursuit of innovative new IPs with the financial realities of sustaining a core product line. When a side project fails to meet projected revenue targets, companies may opt to cut their losses early, even if it means reducing staff numbers. While such decisions can be framed as strategic, they also have tangible human impacts, as seen in the experience of the seven employees who were let go.
Industry analysts note that the language used by companies during layoffs can be telling. The instruction to avoid the word "redundancy" and instead label departing workers as "the leavers" suggests an effort to soften the perception of job loss and perhaps mitigate negative publicity. However, critics argue that euphemistic terminology does little to address the underlying concerns of job security and employee morale. Looking ahead, FuturLab’s commitment to PowerWash Simulator 2 remains strong, with the studio promising to allocate its resources toward polishing the sequel and exploring fresh game concepts.
The CEO’s remarks indicate a continued belief in the value of parallel development pipelines, despite the recent setback. Whether the studio’s next undisclosed project will materialize into a successful title remains to be seen, but the company’s stated intention is to avoid becoming a one‑trick pony focused solely on cleaning simulations.
In summary, FuturLab’s recent workforce reduction was driven by the cancellation of a non‑PowerWash Simulator project deemed financially untenable. Seven staff members were let go, with management reportedly shielding team leads from the selection process and directing staff to use softened terminology when referring to the departures. The studio continues to prioritize its flagship sequel while seeking new opportunities for growth, illustrating the delicate balance between creative ambition and fiscal responsibility in today’s competitive gaming market.