11 Bit Studios Cancels Frostpunk Console Game and Announces Staff Layoffs

11 Bit Studios Cancels Project 8: Development Stopped Amid Market Shifts

In a recent announcement, 11 Bit Studios has decided to discontinue the development of their console-focused game codenamed Project 8. The project, which initiated its development in 2018, had about 37 personnel involved as of September 2024. This cancellation comes alongside an expected round of layoffs, details of which have yet to be determined. Notably, the studio invested around PLN 48.4 million (approximately $11.8 million) into the game’s development thus far. Further insights were shared in a statement released on the company’s official website.

Market Conditions and Project Challenges

Przemysław Marszał, the President of the Management Board at 11 Bit Studios, revealed the reasoning behind the decision, stating,

“Our vision for Project 8, which was intended to be our first title designed specifically for console gamers, was bold and exciting. However, it was conceived under very different market conditions, when narrative-driven, story-rich games held stronger appeal.”

Development Struggles During Adversity

“With Project 8, we experienced both breakthroughs and setbacks,” Marszał explained. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, stabilizing the development team proved particularly difficult, yet progress continued. While we achieved noticeable quality improvements in certain areas, several critical aspects of the game and its development process remained problematic despite multiple iterations.” He noted that as delays mounted, so too did the project’s expenses.

Staff Reductions and Future Opportunities

Consequently, the studio has acknowledged that layoffs will affect individuals involved with Project 8. Nonetheless, Marszał reassured that those impacted will receive severance packages, including support for job placement and psychological counseling for those in need. He expressed hope that the layoffs would be minimal, indicating that more than half of the Project 8 team would be reassigned to ongoing projects or unannounced developments within the company.

Continuing Projects at 11 Bit Studios

Despite this setback, 11 Bit Studios is actively progressing on several significant titles, including Frostpunk 2, which recently earned recognition at the esteemed The Game Awards. Additionally, the team is preparing for the release of The Alters, a highly anticipated sci-fi game that incorporates base-building elements.

Upcoming Releases

Details surrounding The Alters are scarce, but the game is slated for a Q1 2025 launch. However, given the recent announcements, there may be uncertainty regarding whether the development team can adhere to this timeline as planned.

For more details, you can check the original [source](https://wccftech.com/frostpunk-developer-11-bit-studios-cancels-console-game-lays-off-staff/).