Firaxis Games Faces Layoffs as “Dozens” of Employees Affected at Civilization Developer

Layoffs Strike Firaxis Games Amidst Restructuring Efforts

According to a recent report by Game Developer, the renowned 2K studio, Firaxis Games, has undergone significant layoffs. While the exact number of affected developers remains undisclosed, insiders suggest that “dozens”of employees have lost their positions.

Reason Behind the Layoffs

The company has attributed these layoffs to a strategic move aimed at “restructuring and optimizing”the studio for enhanced “adaptability, collaboration, and creativity.”Notably, among those impacted is Emma Kidwell, a distinguished writer known for her contributions to leaders in Civilization VII and characters such as Deadpool and Storm in Marvel’s Midnight Suns. In her LinkedIn update, Kidwell expressed her resilience, stating she is “an incredibly adaptable writer.”

Hi! I was laid off from Firaxis this morning. I wrote leaders and civs for Civilization VII (NDA for now) and Deadpool and Storm for Marvel’s Midnight Suns. I also wrote the award-nominated Hindsight. I’m available for full time, remote work starting ASAP. DMs are open: emmkid.info

— Emma Kidwell (@emmakidwell.bsky.social) 2025-09-04T15:17:22.553Z

Other Affected Employees

Several other notable team members have also publicly shared their experiences following the layoffs. This includes lead character artist Matthew Davis, producer Maya H., senior quality assurance specialist Logan Blackwood, and artist Daniella Zeman.

The Broader Trend in the Gaming Industry

This round of layoffs at Firaxis is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend of staffing cuts within Take-Two Interactive’s studios. Just last month, Cloud Chamber, which is developing the upcoming BioShock installment, laid off 80 employees in a significant restructuring effort. This move aimed to reinvigorate the development process after years of stagnation.

For more insights on the situation at Firaxis Games, visit WCCFTech.