Hitman and Forza Horizon 4 Co-Developer Sumo Digital Ends Independent Development, Layoffs Likely
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Key points
- Sumo Digital plans on focusing exclusively on development services for partners rather than continuing its own IP.
- Studio layoffs will very likely occur during this transitional period.
- The studio shifts are in response to industry wide changes.
Sumo Digital announced that they are reprioritizing their company’s efforts to focus exclusively on developing services for their bigger name partners. The studio used to create their own titles in addition to helping other studios, but they publicly stated independent development operations are ceasing.
“Unavoidably this transition will have an impact on our studios and people. We are committed to minimising this impact as much as possible, exploring all options to retain talent, and supporting those affected with transparency, care, and compassion,” Sumo Digital stated in their public statement.
With the nature of such a big reprioritization in business goals, layoffs within Sumo Digital seem inevitable. As of January 4, the exact impact and amount of layoffs within Sumo Digital are not yet publicly known.
To conclude the statement, Sumo Digital shared, “while this is a difficult moment, this change has no impact on existing or future commitments with partners and provides a better platform for us to focus on our core strengths and return to a thriving business.”
The studio was founded in 2003, and has since grown into a global company with studios across multiple countries. They worked with leading publishers, such as Microsoft, Sony, Sega, and 2k, helping create titles such as Forza Horizon 4 and Hitman. Sumo Digital also led the development of LittleBigPlanet 3.
