Summary
The studio behindTales of Kenzera: Zauhas let go of “over a dozen” employees in another blow to the game industry. Over the past several months, numerous layoffs have impacted numerous game companies, with the latest victim beingTales of Kenzera: Zaudeveloper Surgent Studios.
Founded by British actor Abubakar Salim, Surgent Studios began as Silver Rain Games in 2020 with Salim as its CEO. On April 23, the studio released its debut gameTales of Kenzera: Zauon PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The 2.5DMetroidvania titlefollows the adventures of the titular protagonist, Zau, as he fights enemies and traverses unique environments on a quest to revive his father. Although the game fared well overall among critics, outside factors seem to have forced the company’s hand into letting go of numerous employees.
On Twitter, Surgent Studios announced that it has cut “just over a dozen jobs” following what it calls a “difficult time” for the industry. The post focused on the contribution of theTales of Kenzera: Zaudevs, explaining that the company was “incredibly proud” of the team. The announcement also revealed that Surgent Studios has shifted its attention towards “supporting” its former employees affected by this latest decision. In an attempt to assureZauplayers, the British studio stated that it will continue to support theOri-inspired gamegoing ahead. Furthermore, the studio reassured fans about its immediate future, with the team setting its sights on its “next creative projects.”
Tales of Kenzera: Zau Developer Conducts Job Cuts
The recent layoff announcement confirms what multiple Surgent Studios employees have expressed on social media. In response to the announcement, Salim took to X, sharing that the move “hurts deeply” and highlighting the team’s resilience throughout the four years ofTales of Kenzera: Zau’s development, calling it “inspiring.” Acknowledging other companies are also facing job cuts, the studio head claimed that not being alone in making such decisions “doesn’t make it easier.” The CEO also shared several posts from affected ex-employees and endorsed them in the comments. Moreover, Salim shared having “so much faith” in the industry despite these trying times. “We just need to keep going,” he added.
With Surgent Studios joining a long line of game companies that have recently conducted layoffs, the tally for 2024 is already looking rough. This includes some big names, such as PlayStation, Xbox, Sega, Ubisoft, EA, and many more. According to the latest reports, morejobs at Xbox may be scrappedas soon as this week.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
WHERE TO PLAY
A grieving boy begins to read a Bantu tale written by his late father. Adventure into the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the God of death to bring his Baba back from darkness. With your cosmic powers and untried courage, you advance into unknown mythological lands. Once bursting with life, Kenzera is now rife with lost ancestral spirits. As Zau advances toward his goal, three mighty beings lie in wait, fearsome in their strength yet somehow strangely familiar. Will you embrace the dance of the shaman?Embark on a poignant single-player story shaped by actor Abubakar Salim’s own experience with grief, discovering how love gives us the courage to press on after devastating loss. Wield powers from the Sun and the Moon to defeat restless spirits in rhythmic combat and become a worthy Nganga: a spiritual healer. Discover a rich universe with untold lore of chaos & order and journey through mystical 2.5D realms awash with colour and depth, emboldened by multi-award-winning composer Nainita Desai’s enchanting original score.
