Humble Games Layoffs: Impact on Indie Studios' Future

The Impact of Restructuring at Humble Games

Last week, Humble Games, a subsidiary of Humble Bundle, laid off its entire team of 36 employees as part of a significant restructuring effort. This shake-up has sent ripples through the gaming community, particularly among the developers partnered with the publisher, causing significant uncertainty regarding upcoming projects, especially console ports.

Concerns from Developers

Many developers who have worked with Humble Games, such as Amir Fassihi, studio director of Wizard of Legend 2 from Dead Mage, are expressing deep concerns regarding the future of their projects. Fassihi noted, "We do not want to make any changes. However, we're unsure what changes will be forced on us because everyone in the publisher we collaborated with in the past 2.5 years is suddenly gone." This unpredictability leaves projects hanging in the balance as developers wait to see how the new team, reportedly the Powell Group, will fit into the picture.

The Powell Group's Introduction

The Powell Group, a video game consulting company, is now taken as the new guiding force at Humble Games. However, no official comments from either the Powell Group or Humble Games have overlooked the developers' fears. In a previous post, Humble Games assured developers, stating, "Supporting our development partners and assisting former team members remain our top priority," but specifics regarding the transition remain unclear.

Console Porting Woes

As developers grapple with the restructuring, many are particularly concerned about console ports, which were integral to many ongoing projects. Squid Shock Studios, creators of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, shared their predicament regarding updates: "We are now in a difficult situation when it comes to updating the console ports, as both porting and QA support was tied into our deal with Humble." Similarly, Stairway Games, responsible for Coral Island, expressed uncertainty about how to relay their upcoming 1.1 update to console platforms since they currently lack backend permissions.

Developer Responses and Options

Some developers are facing challenges, while others reported a smoother transition with the new changes. For example, Cody Greenhalge from Exit 73 Studios mentioned that the Powell Group has been supportive and effective in getting the project back on track. Still, many in the industry recognize that switching publishers in the current climate poses a considerable challenge due to existing contractual obligations.

The Future of Publishing Partnerships

Despite various challenges, there are signs of optimism. New managers have been assigned to projects, suggesting a dedicated effort towards resuming normal operations. Humble Games spokesman Michael Brown emphasized that no changes in porting plans have occurred and reaffirmed that all developer projects continue moving forward.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

The restructuring at Humble Games reflects broader industry trends and highlights the fragility of developer-publisher relationships. The next few months will be critical for many studios as they navigate this uncertain landscape. For many, the experience has been a wake-up call, showcasing the importance of clear communication and robust support systems within the gaming industry.