Ustwo Games, the developer behind the popular mobile puzzle series Monument Valley, is preparing to shift its hiring model toward greater reliance on contract workers as part of a broader effort to reduce development costs. Chief Executive Maria Sayans confirmed the studio is actively considering this approach following its recent pivot to a PC-first strategy.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Sayans explained that the rising cost of game development, particularly in the mobile sector, has forced the company to re-evaluate its staffing structure. By hiring more contractors for specific projects instead of maintaining a large permanent workforce, the studio aims to lower its overhead while remaining competitive.
Shift in development strategy
Ustwo Games announced earlier this year that it was moving away from its traditional focus on mobile devices and repositioning itself as a PC-first studio. The company stated that the mobile market had become increasingly difficult to navigate due to high user acquisition costs and intense platform competition.
As part of that transition, the studio has been exploring new business and production models. The increased use of contractors represents a significant departure from its previous reliance on full-time employees, which has been a hallmark of the company’s culture.
cost reduction drivers
Sayans did not disclose specific budget targets or timelines for the contractor transition. However, she noted that the studio must dramatically reduce its development budgets to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The CEO emphasized that the decision is based on market realities rather than any immediate financial distress.
The company is not alone in this trend. Several other game studios, both large and small, have turned to contract labor to manage costs and adjust to fluctuating production schedules. Contractors typically do not receive the same benefits or job security as permanent employees, a trade-off that has drawn scrutiny from labor advocacy groups in the industry.
Implications for the workforce
The shift to a contractor-based model raises questions about job stability at Ustwo Games. The studio has historically maintained a relatively small but dedicated team of developers. Sayans acknowledged the change may affect workplace dynamics but argued that it is necessary to adapt to evolving economic conditions.
Industry analysts have noted that reliance on contractors can reduce studio overhead by as much as 20 to 30 percent, depending on the scope and duration of projects. This could allow Ustwo Games to allocate more resources to experimental or high-risk titles that might not otherwise be feasible.
Broader industry context
The news comes at a time when the global gaming industry is facing a wave of layoffs and studio closures. Major companies such as Embracer Group and Microsoft have announced significant job cuts earlier this year, citing post-pandemic normalization and rising interest rates as key factors. Ustwo Games’ approach may serve as a case study for other mid-sized studios seeking to avoid similar cuts.
Ustwo Games rose to prominence with the release of Monument Valley in 2014, which won multiple awards for its puzzle design and visual artistry. Its sequel, Monument Valley 2, followed in 2017. The studio has since expanded into PC and console titles, including the exploration game Alba: A Wildlife Adventure.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
