Pokemon Go Maker, Niantic, Layoffs Staff — Games Canceled?

Pokemon Go maker Niantic layoffs its staff while canceling its upcoming augmented reality (AR) games and projects.

The AR gaming firm, Niantic, is most known for its mobile game, none other than Pokemon Go.

But beyond that, the gaming firm has yet to create something as significant as its Pokemon AR game, as per a news story by IGN.

Pokemon Go Maker Niantic Layoffs Staff

That said, Niantic seems to be thinking of means to survive the current economic situation.

Niantic is now letting go of roughly eight percent of its staffers, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Hanked announced to its workforce.

To be more precise, the Niantic chief executive further estimates that it, unfortunately, affects nearly a hundred employees or roughly between the 85 to 90 range.

But why is the Pokemon Go maker going this route? Its big boss, Hanke, explained to its workforce that this massive layoff is due to the fact that the gaming firm is currently experiencing "a time of economic turmoil."

And to survive the current situation, the gaming firm has decided to start "reducing costs in a variety of areas," which clearly includes cutting off some staff.

The spokesperson of Niantic told Bloomberg in its report that "We are grateful for the contributions of those leaving Niantic and we are supporting them through this difficult transition."

Niantic Cancels AR Games, Projects

According to a recent report by Engadget, Niantic goes beyond letting go around 95 members of its workforce. The Pokemon Go maker has also pulled some of its upcoming projects.

Its spokesperson further said, "We recently decided to stop production on some projects."

Engadget notes that Niantic is canceling a total of four upcoming AR projects as part of its latest move.

What are these canceled games? One of them is no less than the supposed collaboration of the giant toy maker Hasbro and Niantic, the Transformers: Heavy Metal, which they announced just last year or in 2021.

Aside from the Transformers AR game, the Pokemon Go maker also shelved its partnership with the theater group, Punchdrunk. It puts an end to their immersive theater project, Hamlet.

Meanwhile, the other two affected AR projects are Snowball and Blue Sky.

Niantic NBA All-World

Engadget highlights that the announcement of layoffs and the cancellations of some future games and projects comes a day after the firm formally confirmed NBA All-World.

The new Niantic basketball title is in partnership with the NBA, marking the first sports-themed game of the augmented reality gaming firm.

Not to mention that the development of its flagship title Pokemon Go unfalteringly introduces new exciting updates.