FuturLab cuts staff after cancelling non-Powerwash Simulator title

FuturLab has downsized its workforce by eliminating seven positions, following the cancellation of a non-Powerwash Simulator project during its pre-production phase. CEO Kirsty Rigden announced the layoff, citing that the project would have incurred costs exceeding its projected returns, making it an unwise investment. Rigden emphasized FuturLab's dedication to enhancing Powerwash Simulator 2 and exploring innovative ideas for upcoming games, leading to the decision to reassess the studio's future needs.

She expressed deep regret over the action, acknowledging the loss of talented employees who had been with the company for significant periods. The exact nature of the employees' dismissal remained undisclosed, as Rigden declined to disclose whether the firings were due to redundancy. Anonymous insiders revealed that the project's cancellation was communicated to the team in late June, with some staff reporting weeks without new assignments.

Allegations suggest that managers and team leads were blindsided by the news, unaware of the reasons behind the cuts. In August, a restructuring meeting reportedly took place, during which COO Chris Mehers disclosed that FuturLab was undergoing organizational changes. Subsequent discussions led to the directive against using the term "redundancy," instructing employees not to refer to the affected staff as "the leavers," aiming to mitigate anxiety and maintain a stable work environment while the company navigated its strategic pivots.