Dublin, Ireland — Romero Games, the studio co-founded by gaming pioneer John Romero, is reeling from a recent decision by Microsoft that has resulted in the layoffs of its entire workforce. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming community and left former employees grappling with the abrupt loss of their jobs.
On LinkedIn, an employee shared the painful news of the studio’s closure, describing it as an “incredibly sad day.” Another former staff member expressed heartbreak over the sudden end of their dream job, stating that the project they had been working on was promising but now abruptly halted. Observations from LinkedIn profiles indicate that multiple employees from Romero Games have publicly affirmed their job losses and are actively seeking new employment opportunities.
Romero Games had previously announced the withdrawal of financial support for its upcoming project, revealing that this decision was part of Microsoft’s broader layoffs affecting around 9,100 employees across various divisions. Studio head Brenda Romero noted that the publisher’s decision to cut funding came as a shock, given that their team had consistently met all project milestones and received praise for their work.
Brenda Romero emphasized that the decision was made at a high level within Microsoft, leaving the studio feeling powerless amidst the turmoil. She expressed heartfelt wishes that they could have done something to avert such a devastating outcome. In the wake of this latest development, Romero Games is currently assessing its next steps and extending a call for support from the gaming community to assist their now-unemployed team members.
John Romero shared his dismay on social media, underscoring the talent and dedication of his team. He expressed regret over the studio’s abrupt closure and the cancellation of their anticipated project, which was a new first-person shooter developed in Unreal Engine 5.
The studio’s history includes notable titles such as “Sigil” and its sequel, “Sigil 2,” as well as the mafia-themed strategy game “Empire of Sin.” The new FPS project had generated excitement within the industry when it was announced alongside the expansion of the studio’s capabilities, signifying a new chapter for Romero Games.
As the studio navigates this challenging moment, former employees reflect on the camaraderie and creativity that defined their time at Romero Games. The impact of Microsoft’s decision extends beyond the company itself, affecting the broader gaming community and leaving a notable gap in an industry that continually evolves. The future for Romero Games remains uncertain as the team searches for new opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.