Layoffs Hit Dying Light 2 Studio But The Game Is Not Affected

Techland, the Polish developer behind Dying Light and Call of Juarez franchises, recently announced a round of layoffs, but the studio's ongoing game projects are unaffected.

The job losses came as part of Techland's decision to close its Polish distribution and publishing department. Techland was in the business of publishing some third-party boxed games in Poland specifically, but that is coming to an end by the end of 2019.

Everyone affected by the layoffs is receiving a severance package that Techland says is "above the [video game] industry and the Polish employment legislation standards." Affected employees will receive help finding new jobs, Techland said, adding that employees affected by the restructuring were made aware of the move for a period of time before it became official.

Techland added that its Polish publishing and distribution business has not been a core pillar of Techland's strategy for "a few years," so the wind-down was expected. Those who were laid off worked in "logistics and trade" departments. No game developers were affected.

The restructuring at Techland has no influence on Dying Light 2's development or its publishing of God's Trigger, the studio said, adding that the company's overall global structure is unchanged.

"Techland is in good condition, which is proven by the fact Dying Light sales continue to grow year-on-year," the studio said. "We are growing in terms of AAA open world action games development."

13 employees are affected by the restructuring, Techland said. The company employs more than 400 people, while it has more than 50 people currently being actively recruited for roles.

Here is Techland CEO Pawel Marchewka's full statement:

"After months worth of market analysis we have started the process of shutting down the Polish publishing and distribution department. The process will last until the end of 2019. This only applies to 3rd party boxed goods on the Polish market. For several years physical distribution has not been the core of our strategy, which is to develop the best AAA action open-world games."

"These changes have no impact on our global publishing plans and the development of two AAA games we are currently working on, one of them being Dying Light 2. Our company is constantly growing and developing great games. The sales of the original Dying Light are not only not decreasing, but actually continuing to grow year-on-year. Dying Light constantly reaches new audiences and and this makes us happy and shows us we have chosen the right direction. It also motivates us to work hard on making Dying Light 2 our best game yet."

"I have personally made sure to take care of the affairs and future careers of the members of our Polish distribution department who will be leaving Techland. Severance packages they will receive are both above the industry and the Polish employment legislation standards. I would like to thank the whole team for the many years of great work together."