Don't Nod Financials Result in Reorganisation and Layoffs, Cancelled Projects | Push Square
More industry pain is coming, with Paris-based publisher/developer Don't Nod announcing a round of layoffs and the cancellation of two indefinitely delayed projects. This news comes alongside the company's latest financial report, which shows an 11% year-over-year drop in operating revenue. Much of the blame, at least from the top, is being placed on the underperformance of Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden.
In a statement (thanks, IGN), CEO Oskar Guilbert said: «Our half-year results for 2024 reflect the economic underperformance of our latest release, despite solid ratings on Metacritic, as well as the accounting impact of the decisions we had to take.» Guilbert goes on to say that this will necessitate a reorganisation of the company and the cancellation of two of the seven projects in production as recently as March. Of the company's estimated 320 employees, this will likely result in the oddly specific reduction of up to 69 jobs.
Fiery French union Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV), which is currently organising a strike in front of Ubisoft offices, fired back, condemning the news, having previously noted red flags at Don't Nod. The atmosphere sounds quite explosive, with part of the STJV's statement reading: «We warned them long ago, but they ignored us and accused us of being too aggressive to speak with. With this layoff plan, they are creating an atmosphere of extreme violence. We are calling on all workers at Don’t Nod to mobilise to save their jobs and working conditions.»
Two projects on ice, two more will be «reoriented to reach a wider audience»
We'll monitor the situation as it develops. What are the chances the upcoming Lost Records: Bloom & Rage can turn the situation around for the firm? Let us know in the comments section below.
Khayl Adam is Push Square's roving Australian correspondent, a reporter tasked with scouring the internet for the richest, most succulent PlayStation stories. With five years of
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