(Updated) Humble Games Is Reportedly The Latest Studio To Be Hit By Industry Layoffs

According to a new report, the wave of industry layoffs continues, this time with Humble Games.


Published: November 14, 2023 8:33 AM /

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A character in closeup while another character looks on in horror in the Humble Games title Stray Gods

Update (November 15th, 8:21AM): Humble Games has confirmed that it has laid off a number of employees.

In a statement given to Sports Illustrated yesterday, the publisher said it has "had to say goodbye to valued colleagues", blaming "trends that required this restructure in order to ensure our long-term success".

Humble Games did not, however, elaborate on the scale of the layoffs. Original story follows below.

Original story: A new report has emerged which suggests that indie publisher Humble Games could be the latest studio to be hit by industry layoffs.

The report comes courtesy of Sports Illustrated's gaming section, which cites both a LinkedIn post from a Humble staffer and an "anonymous tip" as its sources.

Lead release manager Estelle Skeels posted that she was "just laid off" from her position, and that it's a "sad day at Humble Games for a lot of folks".

The player running across a bridge with their Temtem following them in the Humble Games title Temtem
Humble Games is known for titles like TemtemSignalis, and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, among others.

That would seem to suggest that Humble Games is letting more staff go than just Estelle, although it's worth noting that the publisher hasn't confirmed or announced anything officially on this front.

According to SI's report, another LinkedIn post lamenting the "layoffs at Humble Games today" was also shared by a current Humble Games employee.

Again, it's worth remembering that no official announcement from Humble Games has been forthcoming. We've reached out to the studio for clarification and will update as soon as we hear anything back.

A room full of objects in Unpacking, another Humble Games title
Humble Games' slate also includes the chill puzzler Unpacking.

If the layoffs are true, Humble Games is, unfortunately, the latest in a long line of studios to announce layoffs and downsizing efforts in recent months.

Other studios affected by this wave include Amazon GamesNeverwinter developer Cryptic StudiosDestiny 2 studio Bungie, and Dreams creator Media Molecule, among others.

Some studios have also been closed down, including Saints Row developer Volition, co-development studio Puny Human, and Australian indie outfit Samurai Punk.

You might know Humble Games' name from its work publishing indie titles like UnpackingSignalis, and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, among many others.

The studio is an offshoot of the wider Humble Bundle company, which routinely offers bundles of games at discounted prices and donates portions of the proceedings from said bundles to charity.

Humble also operates a storefront, the aptly-named Humble Store, which sells keys for both major AAA releases and indie games alike.

Stay tuned for more news on Humble, as well as any other studios affected by this wave of industry layoffs, as soon as we get it.

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