The restructuring is not over for Sega, which today announced 240 new layoffs and the separation from Relic Entertainment. These new departures mainly affect the firm’s European studios. Notably Creative Assembly, which has already seen many measures taken. But Sega Hardlight, the team behind Sonic Dream Teamis not spared.
In addition to Sega’s official post, Relic Entertainment publicly announced that it would become an independent studio. This is thanks to an external investor who is not named. Despite the enormous change that this implies, the studio however assures that it will continue to update its titles, starting with Company of Heroes 3 with its 1.6. Hoping that this new start will allow Relic to get back on its feet after losing 121 employees in May 2023.
But for the studios still affiliated with Sega, it was a disaster. As the Japanese firm always wanted to make a profit, it was not possible to keep so many positions. In addition, the geopolitical context plays a large part in these decisions. But by setting the context for its decisions, Sega above all shows an ever greater desire for profitability. It’s not just about making a little money, but as much as possible.
“The business environment surrounding the consumer sector, particularly in the European region, has evolved rapidly, including due to COVID-19-related stay-at-home demand and economic slowdown due to inflation, etc. , and profitability was reduced. »
Haruki Satomi, CEO of Sega