Hi-Rez Studios Faces Layoffs Amid Smite 2 Challenges

Hi-Rez Studios, the developer behind the popular game Smite, is facing significant challenges as it navigates the early access phase of its sequel, Smite 2. Recently, the company announced layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees. This decision comes as the game struggles to gain traction since its early access launch on August 27, 2023. The CEO of Hi-Rez Studios, Stewart Chisam, shared this news on X/Twitter, indicating a shift in strategy aimed at ensuring the long-term success of the studio and its games.

Chisam stated, "We’re making some difficult but necessary changes to ensure Hi-Rez's long-term success, with a specific focus on positioning Smite 2 for a long and sustainable future." This statement highlights the company's commitment to adapting its approach in response to the current challenges. The layoffs are expected to impact various departments, particularly those involved in marketing and publishing, as well as teams working on cosmetic content and system features.

In light of these changes, Hi-Rez Studios is now concentrating its efforts solely on Smite 2. The company plans to prioritize gameplay development over cosmetic and monetization features that were previously in the pipeline. Chisam reassured fans that the development team remains substantial, stating it is still larger than the team that worked on the original Smite for most of its lifecycle. He emphasized, "Our goal for Smite 2 in the near term is to create the best possible game experience for our community and a game that provides joy to players and can sustain itself long into the 2030s." This commitment to quality and player satisfaction is crucial as the game continues to evolve.

Smite 2 was introduced as a complete remake of the original game, featuring numerous enhancements. However, the transition has not been smooth. The challenge of porting over the 1,600 skins that players have collected over the years has proven to be a daunting task, with Hi-Rez estimating that it would take an astonishing 246 years to complete. This has raised concerns among fans about the game's future and its ability to retain its player base.

As of now, Smite 2 has received mixed reviews, with only 55% of its Steam reviews being positive. The game's player count has also seen a significant decline, dropping from a peak of 12,549 concurrent players to just 1,869. This decline in player engagement is a critical issue that Hi-Rez must address to ensure the game's success moving forward.

While Hi-Rez Studios is making tough decisions to secure the future of Smite 2, the road ahead remains uncertain. The company’s focus on gameplay development and player satisfaction is a step in the right direction, but it will need to overcome significant hurdles to win back the trust and enthusiasm of its community. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hi-Rez adapts and whether Smite 2 can ultimately fulfill its potential.