Avalanche founder’s new studio makes layoffs but will ‘continue to work on new IP’
Christofer Sundberg’s Liquid Swords cuts jobs “to ensure the studio’s long-term sustainability”
The NetEase-backed studio formed by ex-Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg has announced that it’s making a round of layoffs.
In a message posted on its website, Sweden-based Liquid Swords said it was making the cuts following a review of its finances and in the face of “the present challenges of the video game industry”.
It said the “deeply regrettable” changes are “intended to ensure the studio’s long-term sustainability”.
Liquid Swords was established in 2020 by Sundberg, who was previously the founder, owner and creative director at Avalanche, which is best known as the developer of the Just Cause franchise.
When the indie studio was announced in 2022, it said it was planning to grow to a 100-strong team in 2023.
Its website has also described its debut project as “a connected single player action RPG” and “a hard-boiled take on the open-world crime genre”.
Sundberg said in today’s statement that the company remains committed to its vision despite the planned restructuring.
“I promised our employees and shareholders success and to build a studio redefining game development with a small, expert-driven team and a sustainable work model,” he wrote. “While we achieved much of this, shifting market conditions prevented us from succeeding within our timeframe.
“As a result, we must part ways with talented individuals who have been instrumental in our journey. This is incredibly difficult, but we remain committed to our vision and will continue to work on our IP and first game with a dedicated team.”
Liquid Swords’ development team includes staff whose credits include the Just Cause, Battlefield, Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, and PayDay franchises.
