Phoenix Labs, Developer of Dauntless and Fae Farm, Hit by Layoffs, Cancels Game Before Reveal

Phoenix Labs, the developer behind games like Dauntless and Fae Farm, has recently announced significant layoffs, with over 100 staff members affected, as the company aims to sharpen its focus on its leading live service titles. This decision comes after a period of consideration about navigating the current economic environment and is geared towards securing a sustainable future for the company. This realignment also involves the cancellation of other ongoing projects at the studio. Previously, the studio had announced a new direction and ten games in development, which was a stark contrast to the current downsizing. The layoffs are especially impactful in the United States, where employment laws often lead to immediate termination. Among the scrapped projects was a game that was only weeks away from being unveiled, with artwork shared by developer Nicholas Kole highlighting the abrupt end to development.

What does this downsizing mean for the future of Phoenix Labs?

The downsizing at Phoenix Labs indicates a shift in strategy toward focusing primarily on their most successful live service titles, potentially ensuring the company's long-term survival. While the immediate impact is certainly negative for those affected by the layoffs, the refocus on key titles might stabilize the company's position and allow it to thrive in the future.

Dauntless, one of Phoenix Labs' leading titles, is a free-to-play action role-playing game that was first released in May 2019. The game features a cooperative multiplayer experience where players team up to hunt behemoths in a fantasy setting. It’s often compared to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series due to its similar gameplay mechanics. Dauntless has been well-received for its cross-platform play, allowing friends to play together regardless of the system they own. With Phoenix Labs' recent refocusing on Dauntless, it's likely that players can expect ongoing support and new content for the game as part of its live service model.