Rovio to cut staff by 16%

Rovio’s staff will be reduced by 16%, according to Executive director Mikael Hed in a statement that appeared on Rovio’s official website today. We give a full translation of his letter.

The industry is changing so fast that only changes are permanent. We at Rovio have always tried to look only forward and do something new. And now, in order to succeed, we must be the first to show our ability to change.

Michael Head, Executive Director of Rovio
We were constantly looking for new ways to develop, and up to this point we have been working in many different directions.

Developing the company, we hoped to see more rapid growth dynamics. However, today we are forced to announce that we are shutting down all areas, except for the three main ones, which, in our opinion, have the greatest potential for growth: games, media and consumer goods. Unfortunately, to do this, we will have to lay off some of the employees in Finland – in total, no more than 130 people (approximately 16% of the existing staff).

Such decisions are not easy, but it is better to make them now, while we are still able to resume growth.

We see the mission of Rovio as the need to constantly delight our fans. This year we have more than ever a lot of new projects and news. And despite the fact that we are forced to resort to such unpleasant measures, we will continue to please fans of our products.

Michael Head
CEO

Rovio Entertainment Ltd. or Rovio is a Finnish computer game developer. The company has been in existence since 2003. It first appeared on the market as a mobile game development studio Relude, in 2005 it was renamed Rovio. It is best known for the Angry Birds game franchise.