The recent layoff at 10:10 Games marks a significant turning point for the Warrington-based studio. The decision comes in the wake of their inaugural release, Funko Fusion, which did not meet commercial or critical expectations. Employees were unexpectedly informed of their termination while some were abroad on vacation, leading to widespread disappointment within the team.
Funko Fusion aimed to emulate the success seen by Lego-themed games but replaced Lego’s charm with the distinct Funko Pop aesthetic. Featuring recognizable characters from franchises like Team Fortress 2, Mega Man, and The Walking Dead, the game offered themed levels centered around collectible hunts. Despite this diverse lineup, the game struggled to achieve the desired impact in the market.
- 10:10 Games faces staff layoffs following Funko Fusion’s poor performance.
- Funko Fusion received mixed reviews with a 53 OpenCritic score.
- Employees were let go unexpectedly, even while on vacation.
Why Did Funko Fusion Fail?
Funko Fusion did not resonate with players as intended, garnering an OpenCritic rating of 53 and a 68% positive review score on Steam. The combination of Funko Pop characters and the game mechanics failed to captivate the audience, leading to disappointing sales and reviews.
What Led to the Staff Layoffs?
The underperformance of Funko Fusion made it difficult for 10:10 Games to secure additional funding for future projects. As a result, the company found itself without sufficient work to sustain its entire team, necessitating the reduction in staff.
How Were Employees Affected?
Employees were encouraged to use their vacation time prior to the layoffs, resulting in some discovering their termination while on holiday. Despite being in different time zones, they were still expected to attend consultation meetings, adding to the strain during the transition period.
“Management seemed very keen to wrap up the process quickly,” a source told Insider Gaming, “and despite saying that they were fully open to suggestions and feedback, none of it has been taken on board”.
This statement highlights internal frustrations and a possible disconnect between management and staff during the layoff process.
The closure of 10:10 Games serves as a cautionary tale for small studios navigating the competitive gaming market. Ensuring a strong product launch is crucial for securing future investments and maintaining team stability. For those in the industry, the importance of aligning game development with market expectations cannot be overstated.
Moving forward, 10:10 Games may reassess its strategies and consider alternate approaches to game design and marketing to regain footing in the market. The lessons learned from Funko Fusion’s performance could inform future projects, potentially steering the company towards more successful ventures.
