Funcom has announced a significant restructuring that will involve layoffs and the departure of CEO Rui Casais. The company is shifting its strategic focus entirely to the ongoing support and development of its survival RPGs, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles.
In a statement, Casais explained that the transition from peak development for Dune: Awakening into long-term post-launch support and operations necessitates organizational changes. "Moving from full production into long-term post-launch development and operations requires a different organisation," Casais stated. "While we would have wanted everyone who helped build Dune: Awakening to continue with us, we cannot sustain the size and structure required during peak development as we move into this next phase. My focus now is ensuring the process is as supportive as possible for everyone affected, and to treat our colleagues with the respect and transparency they deserve."
Dune: Awakening, which launched last June, was a rapid success for Funcom, selling one million copies in its first two weeks and becoming the fastest-selling game in the developer's history. However, player counts later saw a substantial decline, and the game's PvP and endgame systems received mixed community reception. Funcom previously implemented layoffs in October and recently adjusted Dune: Awakening's direction, moving away from its MMO identity to include solo play and PvE modes, though competitive multiplayer remains available.
Funcom's other major survival title, Conan Exiles, also received significant updates this year, including an engine overhaul, a new paid expansion, and character customization enhancements.
The company has indicated that plans for entirely new projects are still in their nascent stages. Funcom's Chief Creative Officer Joel Bylos recently stated that the studio is not yet ready to begin development on a new game.
Funcom has not disclosed the number of employees impacted by the current layoffs, stating that further details will be withheld until the restructuring process is complete out of respect for those involved. Upon completion of the reorganization, Scott Junior, Funcom's Chief Product Officer and Executive Producer for Dune Awakening, will succeed Rui Casais as CEO.