The games industry is facing a turbulent time, and one studio, Halfbrick, has had to make some tough decisions. A challenging period for the industry has led to Halfbrick cutting 41 jobs and ending international collaborations.
Halfbrick, the creative minds behind Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, shared the news on LinkedIn, stating that organizational and strategic priorities were the driving factors, not the performance of individuals. This decision impacts the studio's future direction and highlights the current struggles within the industry.
"These changes are about the bigger picture, not individual talent," the studio emphasized. "The affected employees have been integral to our success, and we are incredibly grateful for their contributions. Their work has shaped our games and supported our players, and we are better for it."
The statement continued with a heartfelt message: "To those impacted, thank you. Your efforts have left a mark on Halfbrick, and we are committed to handling this transition with the utmost care and respect."
Halfbrick's latest release, Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen, launched on iOS in December 2025 and Android in January 2026, with console and PC versions set to follow in May 2026. Despite this new title, the studio is navigating a difficult path, as seen in their previous layoff in 2018, where more than half of their staff were let go, leaving a small team focused on live operations for their popular games.
And this is where it gets interesting: How do we balance the need for strategic shifts with the impact on individuals and the industry as a whole? Is it possible to navigate these challenges while maintaining a thriving games industry?
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think these decisions are necessary for the long-term health of the industry, or is there a better way to approach such transitions? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
