Sega Shakes Up Studios: Creative Assembly and Hardlight Hit by Layoffs, Relic Entertainment Sold

Sega Europe, known for franchises such as Total War and Sonic, has announced significant layoffs and the sale of Relic Entertainment, the developer behind titles like Company of Heroes. This move will impact around 240 roles within Sega Europe, Creative Assembly, and Hardlight Studio. Specifically, Total War developers Creative Assembly continue to work on multiple projects despite these changes, including the Total War series and a new unannounced project. These decisions come as part of a strategy to adjust to the economic landscape and focus on Sega's strengths.

The shift has also made Relic Entertainment an independent studio with the support of an external investor. Although there is a transition phase, Relic confirmed that it will maintain support for Company of Heroes 3 and its other titles. Sega Europe's leadership justified the layoffs as a necessary measure for future success and pledged support for the affected employees, including severance pay and career support. This news adds to a string of reductions and shifts at Sega, including a developer union contract ratification offering various worker protections.

How will the layoffs at Sega Europe and the sale of Relic Entertainment affect the development of current projects?

Despite the layoffs, current projects at Creative Assembly, such as the Total War series, are continuing as planned. Relic Entertainment, now independent, also confirms ongoing support and updates for Company of Heroes 3, ensuring that development of current projects will proceed.

Creative Assembly, the studio hit by these cuts, is renowned for their Total War series, which blends turn-based strategy and real-time tactics in historical scenarios. Total War titles are known for their extensive campaigns, large-scale battles, and detailed historical settings. Relic Entertainment has a similar pedigree in strategy gaming, with Company of Heroes and the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series being some of its most acclaimed titles, praised for revolutionizing real-time strategy gameplay with innovative mechanics and immersive world-building.