Bossa Games, renowned for titles like Surgeon Simulator and I am Fish, is reducing its workforce to concentrate on the development and release of its new open-world cooperative adventure, Lost Skies. This strategic shift marks a significant change in the company’s focus, aiming to ensure the successful launch and longevity of their upcoming game. The decision comes amid ongoing challenges within the gaming industry, prompting Bossa to realign its resources towards promising projects.
Bossa Games has faced persistent difficulties, leading to its latest round of layoffs. This move follows a previous reduction in staff earlier in the year, which affected roughly one-third of its employees due to increased operating costs and delayed funding for new projects. The company’s commitment to Lost Skies indicates a long-term investment in new game development despite recent setbacks.
How Is Bossa Responding to Industry Changes?
Bossa co-founder and co-CEO Henrique Olifiers stated, “The industry of two years in the future will not look like the industry of two years ago.”
This perspective highlights the company’s recognition of the evolving gaming landscape and its need to adapt to maintain competitiveness and relevance.
What Are the Implications for Bossa’s Future Projects?
Bossa intends to focus on Lost Skies’ late-stage production and upcoming launch, ensuring its successful release and ongoing support for players. After establishing Lost Skies, the company plans to reorganize into smaller teams that will work independently on innovative game ideas, aiming to introduce new concepts to the market promptly.
How Does This Affect Bossa’s Workforce?
The layoffs involve some of Bossa’s most talented and long-standing employees, reflecting the difficult decisions the company has had to make to navigate industry turmoil. Olifiers expressed regret over the necessity of scaling back, acknowledging the impact on colleagues who have been integral to Bossa’s journey.
NetEase’s involvement with Bossa Games adds another layer to the company’s situation. Having invested up to $30 million in 2019, NetEase recently ceased funding for other studios and projects, indicating broader financial constraints that may influence Bossa’s future operations and potential further cuts.
Bossa Games’ focus on Lost Skies represents a critical pivot point for the studio. The success of this title will likely determine the company’s ability to recover and continue producing engaging games. Stakeholders and players will be closely watching the outcome of Lost Skies to gauge the studio’s resilience and innovative capacity in a transformed gaming industry landscape.
Bossa Games is adapting to significant industry shifts by reallocating resources to prioritize Lost Skies, a move that underscores the company’s strategic response to economic and market challenges. The layoffs, though difficult, are part of a broader effort to stabilize and innovate within a competitive environment. The future of Bossa Games hinges on the successful execution and reception of their latest project, Lost Skies, which could set the tone for the studio’s path forward.
