Velan Studios, the New York-based game development studio known for titles like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Knockout City, has recently made a concerning announcement. The studio, founded in 2016 by the creators of Skylanders developer Vicarious Visions, has revealed that it may have to lay off over a third of its workforce due to the sudden cancellation of a major project.
According to a statement posted by Velan Studios on X, 46 out of the company's 121 employees have been notified about the potential layoffs following the project cancellation. The studio expressed its sadness over the situation, emphasizing the talent and passion of its team members.
— Velan Studios (@velanstudios) March 21, 2024
Despite the setback, Velan Studios is focused on supporting its team and continuing work on its current projects. The studio is reportedly working on new partnerships to mitigate the impact of the layoffs and hopes to rescind as many notifications as possible.
Velan Studios' most recent release, Hot Wheels: Rift Rally, was a mixed reality racing game launched in March 2023 for iOS, PS4, and PS5. The studio also recently closed its live service game Knockout City, but a PC version with private hosted servers is still available.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's unfortunate to see talented teams like Velan Studios face challenges due to unforeseen circumstances. Our thoughts are with the employees affected by the potential layoffs, and we hope for the best possible outcome for all involved.
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