Lightspeed LA, the Irvine-based studio behind the upcoming open-world cyberpunk action game Last Sentinel, has undergone significant layoffs, cutting 80 staff members. The developer confirmed the move, stating it is due to a necessary shift in the game's developmental direction to "deliver the experience players expect."
Despite the substantial staff reduction, Lightspeed LA emphasized that the studio will remain operational and continue development on Last Sentinel. The game, initially revealed with a trailer at The Game Awards 2023, is set in a futuristic Tokyo and was billed as a AAA narrative experience for PC and console. Actor Troy Baker joined the project in 2024 as performance director.
Sources indicate that an internal review found Last Sentinel was not meeting internal expectations, prompting the creative pivot. Lightspeed LA stated in a message to IGN that affected employees are being treated with compassion and offered support, including potential internal transfer opportunities.
Lightspeed LA is a subsidiary of Lightspeed Games, a division of Tencent. Tencent Games has seen other recent restructurings, including the closure of TiMi Montreal earlier this year and the shuttering of Team Kaiju in 2023, though the company has also made significant investments, such as a $1.25 billion stake in Ubisoft.