Refractor Games, the development studio behind FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, has undergone significant layoffs, with approximately 85 percent of its staff reportedly dismissed. The news comes less than two months after the game's exclusive launch on Netflix on June 11.
Affected employees shared their experiences on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Art director Barclay Chantel stated that Delphi Interactive, the game's publisher, "pulled the plug on Refactor studios right after we shipped the FIFA World Cup game for Netflix." Similarly, 3D artist and motion capture expert Joseph Civitate confirmed that "Our entire studio just got laid off at Refactor Games after releasing FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition on Netflix." He attributed the dismissals to the cancellation of funding for the studio's next project.
While initial social media posts suggested the entire studio might have been shuttered, GamesRadar, speaking with studio head Nathan Burba, confirmed that the cuts were substantial, affecting 85 percent of the team. Insider Gaming reported that around 80 staff members were let go due to funding being withdrawn. Burba did not provide further details when contacted by GamesRadar.
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition was published by Delphi Interactive, a company also credited on the recently released 007: First Light. Eurogamer has reached out to both FIFA and Delphi for comment regarding the layoffs.