Unfortunately we’re in for another rather depressing bout of layoffs at a developer. This time they’re coming from SuperBot, developers of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. We rather enjoyed the game, rating it at 9/10, but it didn’t seem to do too well at retails, dropping out of the UK charts after just one week.
These layoffs haven’t been formerly announced though, and there’s a chance that it may all just be a miscommunication. The news came via Mike Birkhead’s twitter account. He’s a designer over at Insomniac, and presumably knows some of those affected by the layoffs.
Layoffs at Superbot. When it rains, it pours.
— Mike Birkhead (@flarkminator) January 25, 2013
When asked about the number of employees that could be losing their jobs, he responded that it would be around twenty.
@v_ben Around 20, based on what I heard.
— Mike Birkhead (@flarkminator) January 25, 2013
If the reports from Birkhead to prove to be true it would be rather unfortunate, coming after a single game from the studio. However, it’s unclear whether these are inspired by hard times, or simply come as the company winds down a little after their first project. With character and stage DLC set to release soon it may simply be that a lot of the technical work is now completed and SuperBot can’t afford to keep as many people on right now.
Interestingly, the careers page of their website says their still looking to fill several roles, including Lead Designer and Art Director. Those are typically the type of roles you fill when you’re looking to expand a studio, rather than laying off staff.
Whatever the situation is at SuperBot our sympathies go out to any employees affected by the layoffs, and we hope they’ll be able to find new work as soon as possible. Given the way the development community tends to rally around in hard times, as has been seen during the recent uncertainty at THQ, anyone let go by SuperBot should hopefully be back on their feet soon.
Alex C
All-Stars is at least technically sound, and the Vita version is great. SuperBot are capable of big things IMO. Until we know what the positions are it’s hard to say, but hopefully those affected find their feet soon.
bmg_123
Well I think this was bound to happen considering the sales; I bought PSABR this week, in fact.
avengerrr
What’s with all the rumours TSA?
Taylor Made
No offense but Sony ate the worst company to stay exclusive too lately sending companies to their death RIP free radical, wipeout dudes, socom dudes now some bots dudes lol
Awayze
It’s their fault for selling a game that gamers don’t want.
Tuffcub
Superbot are still advertising about 15 vacant positions on their website so I dont think they are closing, just getting rid of staf they dont need for the next project, which is normal for the industry
XisTG
Bought the game on today’s January deal, really enjoyable, even though the whole menu of the game seems dated by a decade or so.
Erroneus
This could easily be game testers and freelancer / temporary graphic artists. This is quite normal for a game company after a game release.
colmshan1990
If they’ve currently got vacancies they’re looking to fill it sounds more like restructuring for their next project than real studio problems, but I don’t really know anything about what goes on behind the scenes in game studios.
PSASBR was a game I was very sceptical of until my sister got me the PS3 version for Christmas (free Vita version included) and it blew me away. Most fun I’ve had in a game that polished for a long time.
I haven’t had a chance to play it much lately but now I’m tempted to go grab the Vita again…
Quag
Just bought ps all stars and it’s the most fun i’ve had online in ages, Also it’s on sale for £17.99 on the psn store till the 28th so it’s a bargain atm. :)
psychobudgie
I just bought it at the knock down £17.99 PS plus price and it’s an absolute hoot. I just think it was released at the wrong time. It was going up against Far Cry 3, BO2 and AC3. They should have held off a couple of months.