Smite developer Hi-Rez announces layoffs as it prioritizes Smite 2

The President of Hi-Rez Studios, Stewart Chisam, revealed on Twitter today that the company will be undergoing layoffs to “ensure Hi-Rez’s long-term success”. In the extensive post, Chisam indicated that Hi-Rez will be shifting its focus toward positioning its upcoming Smite successor Smite 2 for a long and sustainable future.

According to Chisam, the layoffs will impact those in marketing and publishing as well as the Evil Mojo, G&A, and Titan Forge divisions at Hi-Rez. The game division of Hi-Rez will concentrate efforts entirely on Smite 2 moving forward except for small teams that will support light updates for both Paladins and the original Smite. In the near term, the focus will shift to gameplay development for Smite 2 including new modes and gods ahead of its free-to-play launch next year.

This news has a real human impact at a tough time for workers in this industry. Each impacted individual is a talented and dedicated professional who has poured their heart and soul into our games. Letting them go is a heartbreaking decision, reflects a failure in my leadership, and one for which I take personal accountability. These are all good people who contributed positively to the company; none should view this as a personal failure. I extend my deepest thanks to them for their contributions to the company and their role in helping entertain and bring joy to millions of players.

– Stewart Chisam, President of Hi-Rez Studios

Hi-Rez joins the many other companies in the games industry that suffering from layoffs this year. With thousands of jobs lost in the space just this year alone with no sign of it ending, it’s hard to picture exactly what the games industry will look like in the near future.