Don't Nod Announces Layoffs Amid Restructuring

Don't Nod, a developer known for titles like Life is Strange, Jusant, and the upcoming Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, announced the cutting of an unspecified number of employees. The news, which came to light on June 26, 2025, follows a concerning trend of layoffs that has been affecting the global gaming industry. The French company justified the layoffs as part of a strategic restructuring.

This series of cuts in renowned studios raises questions about the sustainability of the business model of many gaming companies, even those with acclaimed and ongoing projects. Don't Nod is the latest in a long list of companies that have needed to reduce their teams in 2024 and 2025, a period marked by economic uncertainties and market adjustments.

Don't Nod did not disclose the exact number of employees affected by the cuts, nor which departments were most impacted. However, the company's official statement indicates that the restructuring aims to optimize operations and focus on strategic projects for the future. These adjustments, although presented as necessary for the company's financial health, generate instability and concern among industry talents.

The developer has a history of creating games with strong narratives and distinct artistic elements. Life is Strange, released in 2015, gained a vast fan base and spawned several sequels and spin-offs. More recently, Jusant, released in October 2023, was praised for its originality and innovative climbing gameplay, even being included in the Xbox Game Pass catalog. The company's upcoming title, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, announced for 2025, was already generating expectations. The dismissal of employees in the midst of the development of such an anticipated project raises doubts about the timeline and delivery of the game.

The context of the layoffs at Don't Nod is similar to that of other companies in the sector. Giants like Microsoft, Sony, and the Embracer Group have made massive cuts over the past two years. The gaming industry, which experienced a boom during the pandemic, now seems to be going through a period of consolidation and "adjustments," with companies seeking greater efficiency and profitability.