Devolver Digital has reduced its workforce at subsidiary studio Nerial by 40%

Devolver Digital has executed a significant reduction in staff at Nerial, trimming 40% of the workforce at this subsidiary studio.

These reductions add to the downsizing in 2024, affecting more than 50% of the employees at its Polish studio, Artificer, and Good Shepherd / Big Fan.

Despite achieving a "strong" financial outcome, marked by a renewed era of profit and growth as noted during a recent investor presentation, Devolver has realigned and resized several smaller units. This strategic shift resulted in substantial team reductions averaging around 50%.

The company's comprehensive review of its global operations has led to a decrease in total personnel from 303 to approximately 270.

The overhaul at Nerial aims to resolve challenges posed by past projects and prepare the team for future endeavors, culminating in a workforce decrease of 40%.

Artificer's staff reductions exceeded 50% earlier in 2024, with a revamped project approval process aimed at aligning with evolving market demands. Good Shepherd / Big Fan also saw similar downsizing over the same period.

Amid 2025, the gaming industry has faced considerable changes, with about 1600 developers losing their positions due to layoffs and terminations at companies like Freejam, Splash Damage, Piranha Games, Jar of Sparks, and Ubisoft, among others. These adjustments have further expanded to entities including NetEase Games, Toast Interactive, Night School Studio, Striking Distance, Eidos Montréal, PlaySide, and AppLovin, as numerous studios strive for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.