ONRUSH Developer Suffers Layoffs

The developers of Driveclub have been hit with layoffs following the release of their latest title, ONRUSH. 

In multiple confirmed reports to Eurogamer, the studio which was previously known as Evolution Studios until it was acquired by Codemasters in 2016 has seen a number of staff be laid off. This includes Paul "Rushy" Rustchynsky who was the director on both Driveclub and ONRUSH. Other senior members of the team have also been reported to have been let go. 

It is also reported by members of the team that have spoken to Eurogamer that many senior staff and lead creative positions have been fired or required to re-interview for their positions along with a number of junior staff members affected as well. It is hinted that the studio will now be a 'support studio' for other Codemasters titles or work on 'less-risky projects'. 

In a statement issued by a Codemasters spokesperson to Eurogamer, the studio said the following: "It is normal course of business for game teams to evolve as projects launch and move into service, and as other new projects start. As such, it isn't appropriate to comment on day to day movement of staff changes," however, the post originally quoted Codemasters as saying "This is a normal course of business after a project wraps,". 

We wish the best of luck to those affected by this news in finding new work in this difficult time.

Author's Opinion

Though the movement of staff is normal, laying off the senior members of a studio and numerous staff in such a move is far from normal. It is unclear what the long term relationship between the two studios has been but Codemasters have dealt a damaging blow to the team and, with their somewhat poor statement, damaged their own repetition in what they call 'day to day' business. It is a shame that many talented individuals have lost their job and here's hoping they are able to find new position in due course.