Sucker Punch lays off 26 employees

Sucker Punch, a game studio under PlayStation Studios, has announced the layoff of 26 employees. The decision was made after analyzing market difficulties and evaluating the needs of the team for the studio's next project, according to an internal email obtained by Aftermath. The studio currently employs approximately 200 people, and the layoffs come just weeks after the release of Ghost of Yōtei: Complete Edition, which includes a new narrative expansion titled Echoes of Sekigahara.

Management emphasizes support for affected employees

The studio's management stated in the email that the decision was not made lightly and that they have made every effort to support affected colleagues during this transition. They also mentioned that more details about the studio's future would be provided in the coming days.

Success of Ghost of Yōtei does not prevent layoffs

Despite the success of Ghost of Yōtei, which sold 3.3 million copies in its first month and is among the best-rated PS5 exclusives to date, the layoffs highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the video game industry. The studio is currently working on a new, undisclosed project.

Speculation about the studio's next project

Some speculate that the new project could be a return to the Infamous series or a new Sly Cooper game, while others hope for a continuation of the Ghost series. The layoffs occur in a turbulent context for PlayStation, which is transitioning toward a fully digital future starting in 2028.

PlayStation faces multiple challenges

The company has also closed Bluepoint, a highly appreciated studio known for its high-quality remasters and ports, and abandoned the development of Physint, Hideo Kojima's next-gen game, although Microsoft intervened to save it.