Gamepires, the studio responsible for the open-world survival game Scum, has announced staff layoffs. The decision was communicated via a statement on X, formerly Twitter, citing the need to "adapt to challenging market conditions and long-term sustainability" as the reason for reducing the size of the team.
This situation is particularly notable given Gamepires' recent acquisition by Splash Damage Group, a deal backed by Emona Capital, which occurred just eight months ago. This acquisition itself followed a period of significant layoffs at Splash Damage, which had occurred three months prior. Splash Damage had previously been acquired by private equity investors.
Splash Damage has not released a new game since Gears Tactics in 2020, and its upcoming title, Transformers: Reactivate, was canceled in 2025. In contrast, Scum continues to receive regular updates on Steam. When Splash Damage acquired Gamepires, it stated that the teams coming together around Scum would provide "immediate, meaningful work to focus on," emphasizing the stability and solid foundation this would offer the studio for its future growth.
The exact number of employees affected by the layoffs at Gamepires has not been disclosed. The studio has not yet responded to requests for further information. This series of events highlights a pattern of restructuring and workforce reductions within studios, often following acquisitions or shifts in ownership, despite assurances of stability.