adminHalfbrick layoffs have affected 41 roles at the Australian mobile game studio, which says the changes reflect organisational and strategic priorities. The company also ended a number of international engagements as it adjusts to what it described as a challenging period for the games industry.
Image credit: Halfbrick
Halfbrick layoffs: what the studio has confirmed
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Halfbrick said it had made difficult decisions about the company’s next steps. It later confirmed that 41 jobs would be lost. The studio is known for mobile games including Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride.
Halfbrick said the decision was based on organisational and strategic considerations rather than individual performance. It also acknowledged the contributions of the people affected, noting that they had helped develop its games and support players.
The studio said its immediate priority is to manage the transition respectfully and with care for those leaving. The announcement did not specify which teams or roles were affected, or provide a detailed breakdown of the international engagements that have ended.
Recent releases and upcoming versions
Halfbrick’s latest title, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, launched on iOS in December 2025 and on Android in January 2026. Console and PC editions were expected to arrive on May 28, 2026.
Release plans can vary by platform, so players looking for availability details should check the relevant store listing or an official game announcement. The job cuts statement did not say whether the changes would affect the title’s planned platform releases.
Halfbrick’s previous workforce reductions
The studio also faced significant staffing changes in 2018. Reports at the time said more than half of its staff had been laid off, leaving fewer than 30 employees. The remaining team was reported to be focused on live operations for Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride.
That earlier restructuring provides context for the company’s history, but the latest announcement does not establish that the same teams or business plans are involved. Readers should distinguish the confirmed figure of 41 job losses from details that Halfbrick has not publicly provided.
What the announcement means
The confirmed information is that 41 roles have been cut and that some international engagements have ended. Halfbrick has described the changes as strategic and organisational, while expressing appreciation for the employees who contributed to the studio. It has not publicly set out further details about the affected positions or the longer-term structure of the company.
For players, the announcement alone does not confirm changes to existing games or scheduled releases. For employees and industry observers, the Halfbrick layoffs are another example of a studio restructuring during a difficult period for the games business, though the company has not attributed the cuts to any single game or project.
