Avalanche, the developer behind the Just Cause franchise, has announced the closure of two of its five studios and layoffs amounting to some 9% of its global workforce, a reduction of around 50 employees.
With its Montreal and New York offices closing, Avalanche Studios Group will retain offices in Stockholm and Malmo in Sweden and Liverpool in the UK. In a statement (thanks VGC), the group said: "This is an exceptionally difficult decision, but we believe it's necessary to ensure a stable and sustainable future for the company. Our focus is now on supporting all Avalanchers through this challenging time. We're grateful for the invaluable contributions of those leaving and remain committed to creating incredible gaming experiences for our players."
Avalanche is also known for its work on Rage 2 (co-developed with id Software) and 2015's Mad Max. The studio celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. It only announced plans to open its Montreal office in October, following the acquisition of Canadian studio Monster Closet in 2021.
As always, we wish those affected all the best and hope the industry's state will soon settle down.
[source avalanchestudios.com, via videogameschronicle.com]
Comments 19
Ahh gutted. As much as nothing quite captured Just Cause 2’s magic, they do have a flair for destructive environments.
Oh dang, would've loved another mad max game.
Wait... isn't this the avalanche that made Hogwarts legacy, the biggest selling game last year?
Edit: omg i just found out there are 2 Avalanche studios. Avalanche studios and Avalanche software.
The more you know. 😅
I enjoy the just cause games.word up son
@Nem appreciate you taking the L for this as I didn’t know
@Zenos why?
@Nem @BusyOlf look I went through the same moment on a pxb thread last week!
@Zenos I know it's the internet, but you don't have to be that guy.
they just replacing people with a.i. like the rest of the industry. like the rest of the world.
Just Cause 2 one of the best games and atmosphere of all time. Back when demos were so purposeful and enticed you to purchase a game
Oh no! 😮 The Just Cause games are my absolute favourite guilty pleasure. I was only wondering whether a new instalment was in the works recently…
This doesn't necessarily end Just Cause. Montreal has not released anything yet because they were acquired in 2023. Does anyone know what series New York typically worked on? Or were they just a support studio?
Sad to hear as I quite like JC and Mad Max was very good despite what George Miller might think.
I also recently completed Generation Zero which I enjoyed despite the negative reviews. They have supported that game pretty well with a patch for 60fps when played on ps5 (it is still a PS4 build). The game is on PS Extra is anyone wishes to give it a go.
@Nem
Still. They made Mad Max. Absolute stellar of a game.
Not their fault they released it to fail next to MGSV
@Nem The one making Hogwarts Legacy is a subsidiary of WB.
Sorry to hear that. Avalanche also developed Renegade Ops for PC, PS3 and X360. A great vehicular combat game published by SEGA.
@ProfessorNiggle JC4 and especially JC3 came nowhere close to JC2. Something about that game was just chef's kiss. Still holds up to this day too.
@Specky I played Mad Max and enjoyed it.
I actually bought Hogwarts legacy thinking it was the same studio. Little did i know. 😅
I probably wouldn't have if i saw Avalanche software's previous games.
Let's call it a happy coincidence.
@Golem25 even though JC2 had way less functionality with the grappling hook and no wingsuit, it was just miles ahead with the gameplay and story and systems. Bigger isn't always better I guess
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