Madrid, Spain — MercurySteam, the Spanish game developer behind Metroid Dread, has announced layoffs just days before the Steam release of its newest title.
The studio confirmed the workforce reductions in an official statement on June 10, 2024, citing financial pressures and industry-wide challenges as key factors. While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, insiders report that the layoffs impact approximately 20% of the company’s staff.
MercurySteam’s latest game, an unannounced title for PC via Steam, is scheduled for release on June 13, 2024. The studio did not specify whether the layoffs would impact development timelines for future projects.
In a brief statement, MercurySteam expressed gratitude to departing employees and acknowledged the difficult decision:
"We are deeply grateful to our team for their dedication and hard work. This decision was made after careful consideration of the current market conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the studio."
The layoffs come amid broader concerns in the gaming industry, with multiple studios facing financial instability and restructuring in 2024. MercurySteam, known for its work on Metroid Dread (2021) and The King’s Daughter (2022), has not commented on whether additional cost-cutting measures are planned.
Fans of the studio’s work have expressed concern on social media, with many questioning the timing of the layoffs so close to the game’s release. MercurySteam has not yet responded to requests for further clarification.
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