Pokemon Go owner Scopely 'reorganizes' Stumble Guys team

It’s a tough day when you hear about layoffs in the gaming industry, especially for a title like Stumble Guys that’s got a pretty dedicated fanbase. Scopely just reorganized the team behind this multiplayer party knockout game, and while they say it only affects a “small number of employees,” it’s never easy when people lose their jobs.

Now, I’m not here to throw shade at Scopely. They’ve got a massive portfolio, including Pokémon Go, which raked in over $15 billion in lifetime revenue earlier this year. But this point of “restructuring” raises a lot of questions about how companies handle their teams when performance dips.

According to a spokesperson, Scopely regularly reviews game performance to ensure they’re giving players the best experience. This latest shake-up was apparently part of one of those assessments. They mentioned that they transitioned some affected employees to other roles, which is nice, but it’s pretty cold comfort for those who didn’t get lucky. It’s like getting a consolation prize after playing a particularly brutal round of Stumble Guys.

“My layoff notice came the literal next day after I came back from my paternity leave. You can imagine how hard that hits.”

That quote from a senior producer really hits home. It’s gut-wrenching to think about someone coming back to work, excited for a new chapter, only to be told they’re out the door. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my decade in PC retail, it’s that timing can be everything. Layoffs often feel like a slap in the face, and the timing makes it sting a whole lot more.

Besides the emotional toll, this kind of reorganization can affect the game itself. Stumble Guys has been compared to games like Fall Guys, but with fewer players. If the team behind it isn’t fully engaged or feels uncertain about their future, how can they deliver that goofy, chaotic fun that players love? It’s a slippery slope, and I think they’ll need to tread carefully to keep the fanbase happy.

As for those who are moving on, I hope they find new opportunities that appreciate their skills and contributions. One level designer even left an open call for experienced game designers to step in and help shape the future gameplay of Stumble Guys. That’s the spirit! There’s always a chance for a comeback, and maybe we’ll see some fresh ideas that could reinvigorate the game.

In the end, it’s a reminder that the gaming industry, like any other, is a business first and foremost. We love these games, but behind the scenes, there are real people whose livelihoods depend on them. As we dive back into our favorite titles, let’s keep that in mind. Here’s hoping Stumble Guys can bounce back from this setback and keep delivering the fun we all love.

To wrap it up, let’s remember: the gaming world is harsh, and while we’re busy dodging obstacles in Stumble Guys, let’s not forget the folks who are building those obstacles. They deserve our respect and support.