adminFishlabs layoffs have affected employees across the German studio’s development and support teams. The company has not disclosed how many roles are involved, but says the reductions reflect changes in project requirements and the needs of its clients and internal teams. Fishlabs says it will continue working on partner projects while prioritizing support for departing colleagues.
Image credit: Fishlabs
What the Fishlabs layoffs mean for the studio
The announced cuts span both development and support, though Fishlabs has not provided further details about specific departments, roles, or timing. Without a figure for the number of employees affected, the scale of the reductions remains unclear.
The studio has expressed appreciation for the work and commitment of those leaving. It also emphasized that the decision should not be understood as a judgment of their ability or performance. Fishlabs says its immediate focus is helping affected employees through the transition, while continuing its work with project partners.
For readers following the story, the key details currently confirmed are the teams affected and the reason given by the company. Fishlabs has not announced additional information about future staffing plans.
Fishlabs layoffs in the context of earlier cuts
This is not the studio’s first workforce reduction in recent years. Fishlabs cut 50 roles in 2023 as part of Embracer Group’s restructuring program. Fishlabs is a subsidiary of Plaion, which belongs to Embracer’s portfolio.
The studio was founded in 2004 by Michael Schade and Christian Lohr. Plaion, then known as Koch Media, acquired Fishlabs in 2013. Before the acquisition, Fishlabs filed for the equivalent of bankruptcy, a process that led to the termination of 25 positions.
Schade and Lohr later left Fishlabs and established Rockfish Games in 2014. Rockfish is known for developing the Everspace series. Earlier this year, Schade discussed the German government’s expanded games fund, which totals €125 million. Rockfish received €8 million from the fund to support development of the next game in the Everspace shooter franchise.
What is known—and what remains undisclosed
- Teams affected: Fishlabs’ development and support teams.
- Number of employees: Not specified by the studio.
- Reason given: Changes to project requirements and the needs of clients and internal teams.
- Ongoing work: Fishlabs says it remains committed to its partner projects.
These confirmed points provide a snapshot of the announcement, but do not establish how the changes may affect individual projects. Further details would be needed to assess the longer-term impact. For now, the Fishlabs layoffs are confirmed, while the number of affected employees and any broader operational changes remain unknown.
