Australian developer and publisher Halfbrick has laid off 41 staff, we can confirm.
The maker of Jetpack Joyride and Fruit Ninja said on LinkedIn over the weekend that it would be making a number of roles redundant in Australia, and concluding a number of international engagements.
We requested further detail, and the company confirmed that 41 staff will be cut in total.
“This was not a decision we made lightly,” the company said. “Like many studios, we are navigating a challenging period for the games industry, and we’ve had to make some hard choices about how we move forward. These changes are driven by organizational and strategic priorities, not individual performance.”
“Our focus right now is on handling this transition with care, respect, and genuine appreciation for the people who have contributed so much to Halfbrick. We wish them nothing but the best in what comes next.”
Halfbrick has just launched Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen on iOS and Android, with console and PC editions to come.
In 2023, it pivoted its mobile business to focus on subscriptions through its Halfbrick+ service, which offers players access to a catalogue of ad and IAP-free Halfbrick games. In 2024, the firm told us that it is also signing third party games to the service.
Halfbrick+ product manager Eli Hodapp also told us: “What I want to emphasize is the people impacted. They’re talented, good people, and we’re genuinely grateful for what they brought to Halfbrick.”
“We want them to land somewhere great as quickly as possible. If studios are hiring and want introductions or references, I’m happy to help anywhere I can.”
