AppLovin reduces its workforce by an additional 97 positions, including the CEO of its subsidiary studio, Machine Zone

Ninety-seven employees have been laid off by AppLovin, impacting "most of" the staff at Machine Zone, including the subsidiary's CEO. This development follows an earlier layoff of 89 individuals in January, based on Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings effective March 21 in California, as highlighted by PocketGamer.

Since June 2022, March's job cuts represent the seventh time AppLovin has filed a WARN notice, with 120 employees affected in November 2024 and 126 in October. Among those affected in the current round are Machine Zone's CEO and design director, who were involved in the creation of mobile titles such as Game of War: Fire Age and Mobile Strike; the position of CTO had already been cut in the past.

A former employee indicated on LinkedIn that significant portions of Machine Zone were closed down. While AppLovin has not yet released an official statement regarding the layoffs, the company is currently hiring for new positions.

The gaming industry has faced substantial challenges in 2025, with 1600 developers experiencing job losses due to downsizing and studio closures. Companies affected include Freejam, Splash Damage, Piranha Games, Jar of Sparks, Ubisoft, ProbablyMonsters, Iron Galaxy, Sumo Group, Liquid Sword, NetEase Games, Toast Interactive, Night School Studio, Striking Distance, Ballistic Moon, Eidos Montréal, and PlaySide.