Behaviour Interactive Announces Layoffs Affecting Less Than Three Percent of Their Workforce

Behaviour Interactive, the renowned video game developer and publisher, recently announced that they have had to let go of a portion of their workforce. The studio, known for its popular survival horror game, Dead by Daylight, confirmed the news to Game Developer, stating that the cuts affected less than three percent of their total staff.

The layoffs were first reported by Kotaku, who revealed that they took place earlier this month and affected around 45 individuals across various departments. Initially, it seemed that the layoffs were limited to Behaviour’s Montreal headquarters, but the studio has yet to confirm this detail.

In a statement to Game Developer, Behaviour explained, “Recently, changing market conditions necessitated adjusting the scope of several Behaviour projects. In these situations, our preference is always to reassign talent to other projects. Unfortunately, this option is not always available to us. These departures represented less than three percent of our total workforce.”

Despite the layoffs, Behaviour has continued to expand its reach. In 2023, the studio acquired several new studios, including ones in the UK and the Netherlands, as part of a broader European expansion. While Dead by Daylight remains a significant focus for the company, with a new Alan Wake-centric chapter set to release later this month, Behaviour has also been working on other projects, such as Meet Your Maker.

The video game industry has seen a significant number of layoffs in recent years. According to estimates, over 9,000 workers were let go in 2023 alone. With just 18 days into 2024, there have already been over 3,000 layoffs at gaming and gaming-adjacent companies, including Twitch and Discord. Unity, a major player in the industry, is reducing its headcount by around 1,800 – a quarter of its workforce.

The reasons behind these layoffs vary. Some companies cite changing market conditions, while others point to financial difficulties or a shift in focus towards different projects. Regardless of the cause, the impact on the affected employees and their families can be profound.

Behaviour Interactive’s decision to let go of a portion of their workforce is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the video game industry. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, companies must adapt or risk being left behind. In the case of Behaviour, the layoffs represent a difficult but necessary step in order to maintain their competitive edge.

Despite the challenges, the future of Behaviour Interactive remains bright. With a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences, the studio is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of video games.

In conclusion, Behaviour Interactive’s recent announcement of layoffs affecting less than three percent of their workforce serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the video game industry. As companies adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, the impact on employees can be significant. However, with a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences, Behaviour Interactive is well-positioned to continue thriving in this ever-evolving landscape.