OtherSide Entertainment, the video game developer behind the immersive sim franchise Thief, has laid off 17 employees. The job cuts follow the cancellation of an unannounced project, which had been in development at the studio.

The studio confirmed the redundancies in a statement to GamesIndustry.biz. The layoffs represent a significant reduction in the developer’s workforce, though the company has not disclosed its remaining headcount.

Project “Argos” cancelled

The cancelled project was reportedly codenamed “Argos.” Neither the game’s genre nor its intended platforms were formally announced. OtherSide Entertainment did not provide specific reasons for the cancellation, but the move is part of a broader trend of project culls and cost cutting across the video game industry.

OtherSide Entertainment is best known for its work on immersive simulation games. Founded by Paul Neurath, a veteran of the genre, the studio previously released Underworld Ascendant and has been developing a multiplayer stealth title called Thick as Thieves. The company confirmed that work on Thick as Thieves will continue unaffected by the layoffs.

Broader industry context

The layoffs at OtherSide come amid a sustained period of job cuts in the video game sector. In 2024 alone, major publishers including Microsoft, Sony, and Electronic Arts have reduced their workforces. Smaller independent and mid-sized studios have also been affected, with many citing rising development costs, shifting investment priorities, and a post pandemic market correction.

Industry analysts have noted that project cancellations often lead to rapid restructuring at studios that rely on a single major contract or publisher backing. OtherSide’s cancellation of Argos suggests a similar funding or strategic pivot.

Reactions and next steps

The laid off employees have not publicly commented on the situation. OtherSide has not announced severance terms or outplacement support. However, the company stated it is “committed to supporting” those affected during the transition.

Looking ahead, OtherSide plans to focus resources on Thick as Thieves, which remains in development. The studio has not announced a release window for that title. No further project cancellations have been reported.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz