Crysis 4 ‘On Hold’ as Developer Crytek Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 60 Staff

Crytek Announces Layoffs Affecting 15% of its Workforce

Game developer Crytek has announced a reduction in its workforce, impacting approximately 60 employees, or 15% of its 400-person staff. The decision, announced via a tweet and statement from founder Avni Yerli, cites challenging market conditions and the need for financial sustainability.

While the company's successful title, Hunt: Showdown, continues to grow, Crytek stated that maintaining its current operational structure is no longer feasible. Following the decision to put Crysis 4 on hold in late 2024 and a subsequent effort to transition staff to Hunt: Showdown, cost-cutting measures proved insufficient to prevent layoffs.

The layoffs affect various departments, including development teams and shared services. Crytek has committed to providing severance packages and career assistance to affected employees.

Yerli's full statement emphasizes the difficult nature of the decision and reiterates Crytek's commitment to Hunt: Showdown's continued growth and development, along with ongoing support for its CRYENGINE.

The announcement follows previous reports of a canceled Crysis Next project, a battle royale-inspired title that was scrapped in favor of Crysis 4, which was announced in January 2022. The Crysis franchise, known for its visually impressive first-person shooter gameplay and the demanding performance requirements of its early installments, has not seen a new mainline entry since Crysis 3 in 2013. While remasters of the original games have been released, news on Crysis 4 has been scarce since its initial announcement.