11 Bit Studios Announces Workforce Reductions

In recent news, Poland-based 11 Bit Studios has found itself needing to let go of some employees, though specifics on the numbers remain undisclosed.

The studio shared on its website that it decided to pull the plug on Project 8, which was set to be its initial venture into console gaming. Work on this project kickstarted back in 2018, and by 2024, a team of 37 was dedicated to bringing it to life.

To date, they’ve poured about PLN 48.4 million, approximately $11.8 million, into this undertaking. However, after an extensive evaluation, the decision was made to cancel the project. It seems Project 8 faced numerous hurdles, not least of which was the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on the project, Przemysław Marszał, the studio’s president, shared, “Our aim for Project 8 was ambitious; we wanted it to be our inaugural title crafted specifically with console players in mind. But the concept was born during a time when games rich in narrative and story were more in demand.”

He elaborated further, noting, “When we assess a project, we always take several factors into account, from how far development has progressed to internal and external reviews. Market conditions, sales potential, and marketing strategies are also critical metrics we examine. Unfortunately, with Project 8, the feedback pointed to persisting issues that would necessitate extending our timeline and increasing our budget, factors that did not align with our updated sales forecasts. In light of the evolving market landscape, this cast significant doubt on whether the project would be financially viable.”