Danske IO har sagt opp halve staben

Det danske utviklerhuset IO Interactive har redusert bemanningen med 50 prosent. Det meldte IO og Square Enix i går kveld, da de annonserte en større omstrukturering for studioet.

Hvis du fryktet at dette vil få negative konsekvenser for Hitman-serien kan du imidlertid puste lettet ut, da nettopp Hitman-serien skal være IOs eneste fokus den kommende tiden. Andre titler som var under produksjon har dermed blitt nedlagt, samtidig som Hannes Seifert er blitt utnevnt som ny leder for studioet.

I en pressemelding fra Square Enix forklares endringene på følgende måte:

We are making significant changes at IO Interactive as we align our business against a changing and challenging market. Hannes Seifert, formerly Production Director for 3 years at the studio, will take over the position of Studio Head at IO.

"The studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new AAA Hitman project. However we have taken the difficult decision to cancel other studio projects and initiatives at IO and reduce the workforce in this studio, which will impact almost half of the employees currently at IO, as we make internal adjustments to face the challenges of today's market.

"For those affected, we are extremely grateful for the hard work which they have contributed, and where it's possible and appropriate to relocate staff to open positions at other studios within the group, we will try to do so. We are also reaching out to other companies for outplacement opportunities. We sincerely wish them well in their future careers. If you are part of a company that is looking for additional development talent, please contact us directly at [email protected]"