## Workforce Reductions Hit That’s No Moon: 14 Employees Let Go
The gaming industry continues to face a challenging economic climate, with That’s No Moon-the studio currently developing a high-profile project within the *Crossfire* universe-becoming the latest developer to implement staff cuts. Reports indicate that 14 team members have been laid off as the studio navigates internal restructuring.
### Insights from Impacted Staff
The news surfaced late last week via a series of personal announcements on LinkedIn. Several former employees confirmed their departure, highlighting the sudden nature of the decision. Among those affected were an associate environment artist, a procedural technical artist, and a senior environment concept artist.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the sentiment shared by departing staff remained professional. One producer noted, “I’m incredibly grateful for the people I worked with at TNM. The folks there are some of the most talented, driven, and persistent people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside.” These testimonials underscore the high caliber of talent currently entering the job market, a trend seen across the broader tech and gaming sectors throughout 2024.
### A Challenging Landscape for AAA Studios
The layoffs at That’s No Moon arrive during a period of significant volatility for game developers. According to industry tracking data, over 10,000 jobs were cut across the gaming sector in 2023, and that momentum has unfortunately persisted into the current year. Even studios backed by substantial capital are not immune to the pressure of rising development costs and shifting publisher priorities.
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### Origins and Ambitions of That’s No Moon
Founded in 2021, That’s No Moon was established with significant industry pedigree. The studio was launched by a collective of veterans hailing from powerhouse developers like Naughty Dog and Infinity Ward. Their entry into the market was marked by a massive $100 million investment from Smilegate, the publisher behind the global *Crossfire* franchise.
While the studio initially aimed to push the boundaries of narrative-driven action games, these recent layoffs suggest a pivot or a necessary consolidation of resources as they continue to develop their flagship title. As the studio moves forward, the industry will be watching closely to see how this reduction in headcount impacts the scope and timeline of their upcoming projects.
