League of Geeks Vows to Fight On Despite Layoffs and Funding Setbacks

Australian game developer League of Geeks has announced a major restructuring, resulting in the layoffs of 50% of its staff. The entire team behind Jumplight Odyssey has been let go, and the game's development is now on indefinite hold as the studio seeks additional funding. A total of 31 people were laid off, including staff from the operations and publishing teams, as well as contractors. However, support for Armello and the release of Solium Infernum, scheduled for February, will not be affected by these changes. In an interview, studio director Trent Kusters acknowledged the executive team's responsibility for the situation and provided insight into the events leading up to the redundancies. Kusters confirmed that affected team members will receive full benefits, and the studio is working with Game Workers Australia to ensure a smooth transition. The studio will also provide access to a qualified therapist and support affected staff in finding new jobs. Furthermore, 50% of Jumplight Odyssey's profits over the next year will go to the laid-off team members. Kusters explained that the decision to keep the game available was motivated by a sense of responsibility to the team and the desire to honor their work. The studio had been in talks with two major investors to secure funding that would have kept it afloat through 2028, but the deals fell through. Kusters described this period as the 'darkest time in League of Geeks' history.' Despite the challenges, Kusters remains hopeful that the studio will find a way to move forward, and he emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The Australian government's newly introduced digital games tax offset may also provide an opportunity for the studio to recover. With a reduced team and a focus on releasing Solium Infernum, League of Geeks is now looking to the future, albeit with caution. Kusters expressed concerns about the broader impact of the current funding landscape on the games industry, particularly for independent studios. He warned that the first half of next year could be 'pretty scary' for many studios, and he urged investors and stakeholders to recognize the value of supporting the industry during difficult times.