Nightingale Dev Video Discusses Inflexion Layoffs

It is quite common that when layoffs occur in a game development firm, the news surfaces either through social media posts from the affected staff or the company might release a straightforward statement regarding the development. Often, these companies indicate they are trying to help their former employees secure roles in other studios. However, any further communication from the developer is typically limited to a business-like earnings statement emphasizing cost savings. The occasions where a game developer publicly addresses the situation and provides a justification are few and far between.

It’s even more unusual for executives to publicly admit their personal shortcomings. But, that’s exactly the approach taken by Inflexion Games, the creators of the MMO Nightingale. In their latest Dev Bites video, CEO Aaryn Flynn and Art Director/Audio Head Neil Thompson took a few moments to discuss the company’s recent downsizing. They not only assumed accountability for certain failings, but also pointed out that their high costs were similar to other industry studios. While the video came on the back of a previous announcement where the studio mentioned the same, the acknowledgement and reasoning provided a unique perspective.

All studios faced with this situation comprise of committed individuals striving for a unified goal, the video noted. However, more often than not, their efforts do not yield the desired results. Flynn and Thompson accepted this hard truth on behalf of Inflexion, acknowledging that it was their responsibility to strategise, prepare and pave the way for their team’s success.