A spokesperson for Blackbird Interactive – developer of Homeworld 3 – confirmed to Game Developer that a unknown number of layoffs hit the studio. According to the spokesperson, these cuts were part of a “realignment plan” at the studio and were caused by “economic pressures beyond our control.”
The affected workers were assigned to projects that have been shelved by development partners. Blackbird suffered similar layoffs in August 2023, after the cancellation of unannounced projects.
“We looked at several ways to avoid this and unfortunately the other options were not viable,” the representative said.
Statements from those fired
“Unfortunately I was one of those affected,” the former Blackbird lead producer wrote Jacob Van Rooyen. “Despite the situation, I appreciate all the experiences I have had and the wonderful people I have met and gotten to know at Blackbird Interactive. I was amazed by everyone's support today, and I wish everyone affected the best in getting back on their feet.”
Former Blackbird associate programmer, Dylan Freddi, confirmed the news. “Today I finally got hit with the layoffs,” she wrote. “My time at Blackbird Interactive has been nothing short of incredible and I've learned so much from all the different games I've worked on. I can't wait to see what's next.”
Also Alexander Weatherston, who spent more than four years at Blackbird and served as a game director on an upcoming project, has been fired. “After four great years at Blackbird Interactive, I have been sadly hit with a new round of layoffs,” he wrote. “I have grown and learned a lot over the years and I look forward to applying them to my next role.”
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