2K Games-owned studio Hangar 13, the developer of Mafia 3, has been hit by layoffs across its three regional studios. According to Kotaku, the layoffs were informed by Nick Baynes, the head of Hanger 13’s Brighton, UK studio, who took over after Haden Blackman left.
The layoffs hit the studio in Novato, California, where nearly 50 of its 87 employees were fired. By comparison, when Hangar 13 released its debut title Mafia 3 in 2016, the studio had more than 100 full-time employees.
It’s unclear how much the Brighton and Czech (formerly 2K Czech) studios have been affected, but Baynes said those affected by the layoffs may move to other teams at 2K Games and its subsidiary studios.
Subsequently, a 2K spokesperson confirmed the layoffs in a statement. The statement said 2K is fully committed to the future of Hangar 13, as the studio is going through a challenging but ultimately promising period of transition.
As part of the company’s ongoing review to ensure the team’s resources were aligned with its goals, the company made changes that resulted in fewer positions and parting ways with some colleagues.
Those decisions are always difficult, a 2K spokesperson said. The company is making every effort to assist affected employees by finding new positions for them in other 2K projects and teams, and providing full support to employees who cannot be redeployed, connecting them to industry networks and resources to find 2K new opportunities beyond.
Hangar 13 has gone through multiple rounds of layoffs since the release of Mafia 3, although it appears to have maintained a steady staff since 2018.