Refactor Games, the studio behind Netflix's officially licensed FIFA World Cup Launch Edition, has undergone significant layoffs, with 85% of its staff let go just two months after the game's release. Cofounder Nathan Burba confirmed to GamesBeat that the studio terminated approximately 80 employees. Delphi Interactive, the studio's co-owner, reportedly withdrew funding following the game's June launch. The affected developers were notified on Friday, July 31, and, according to reports, did not receive severance pay, though they were paid up to their last day of employment.
Netflix has identified the FIFA World Cup Launch Edition as one of its "most successful" cloud game launches on TV, alongside the horror title Unhinged. These statements were made during the company's latest earnings call, though specific data supporting these claims were not shared. The FIFA World Cup Launch Edition game allows up to four players to compete on TV or computer, featuring all 48 tournament teams, 1,238 players, and 16 stadiums. Despite its inclusion in Netflix's list of successful launches, the game itself received critical reviews, with VGC describing it as a "woefully undercooked companion" to the World Cup.
Despite the situation with Refactor Games, Netflix remains committed to expanding its presence in the gaming sector, viewing it as a significant area for future growth. The company has previously reported substantial increases in engagement with some of its gaming initiatives, growing by as much as 600%, while also acknowledging that its gaming ventures are still in their early stages.