Worms Publisher Team17 the Latest to Suffer Layoffs, CEO Exits | Push Square

03.10.2023 - 00:37 / pushsquare.com / Michael Pattison

Team17, the UK-based developer of Worms and publishing label for the likes of Overcooked, Dredge, and Blasphemous, is the latest games company to be cutting jobs.

Initially reported by Eurogamer and subsequently confirmed to VG247, the team has «entered into a period of consultation» ending in November, restructuring the business and likely to result in several layoffs. Reportedly, around 50 jobs are on the chopping block, mostly within Team17's QA department. The CEO of Team17 Digital, Michael Pattison, is also leaving.

«In response to the reports concerning the departure of Michael Pattison from Team17, we can confirm we have amicably parted ways with Michael,» reads the statement on the matter. «We can also confirm that we have sadly entered into a period of consultation today within Team17 Digital, with Astragon and Storytoys remaining unaffected by the restructuring plans.»

This isn't the first time Team17 has downsized this year. In March, layoffs occurred within the company's in-house development teams. Furthermore, a Eurogamer report on the company revealed concerns around pay, working conditions, and management.

This is a very turbulent time within the industry; Team17 sadly joins the likes of Crystal Dynamics, SEGA's Creative Assembly, and Epic Games in announcing job losses.

Of course, we wish all the best to those affected.

Having grown up alongside PlayStation, Stephen has developed an eclectic taste in video games and a wide knowledge of the medium, from small indie gems to the biggest AAA blockbusters. Ever hopeful that the Burnout series makes a miraculous return.

Disappointing to hear. The entire tech industry seems to be unhealthy. Also I didn't know they still made WORMS games.

Man, even the CEO got cut this time…

Layoffs are just sweeping across the industry. I know they lost a lot of goodwill with developers earlier on in the year(? I think) when they announced NFTs. I know that internet reactions are usually hyperbolic, but with an indie publisher and the amazing goodwill Devolver, Annapurna, and now Bigmode has it makes sense that Team17 would suffer.

Always hate to see layoffs in the industry. Hopefully everyone laid off can bounce back and find new employment.

Gutted, they’re one of the devs that I grew up amazed that there were cool and exciting companies right here in the UK. The government really needs to cultivate the local devs more than they do but well, that’s probably very low down on the list of grievances I have with them lmao

Ah s**t, here we go again

I love the traditional worms games, so hopefully they can still make them. I have put hundreds of hours into W.M.D, I hope Microsoft dosent gets its grubby paws on team 17, but if they need accuring then hopefully