Icons developer Wavedash Games has laid off 80% of its workforce without severance pay. Hot off the heels of Telltale Games conducting a similar move, Wavedash is said to have only retained five of its 30 workers, according to sources close to the California-based independent games developer.
A report from PCGamesN made the claim concerning how many workers had been laid off on Monday. Wavedash, meanwhile, posted a statement on the official website for their Icons: Combat Arena title, and revealed the disheartening news to its fans. Explaining why they had taken the difficult decision to lay off the majority of their staff, the company express its sadness at failing to make a lasting impression on the industry.
“When we started Wavedash three years ago, our mission was to create the game that we most wanted to play, and to share it with the world,” the statement read. “Along the way, as the mission grew, we had the great fortune to be joined by some of the most talented, passionate builders in the game industry. Sadly, we have fallen short of our goals – but we feel immensely fortunate to have had the chance to bring Icons into existence, together.”
The statement went on to thank the Icons team, and its fanbase, for developing the game and supporting it respectively. They also confirmed that more news about Icons’ future will be confirmed in the coming days.
“To the entire team Wavedash team who worked on Icons: Thank you,” the statement continued. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help as you look to new endeavors. We will have more detail about Icons’ future development next week. For today, we’re saying goodbye and thank you to a group of highly talented developers, and friends.”
