Firaxis Games Slashes Staff Amid Struggling Civilization VII Season

FIRAXIS GAMES FACES LAYOFFS AS CIVILIZATION VII STRUGGLES TO FIND ITS FOOTING In a move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, Firaxis Games, the studio behind Civilization VII, has announced layoffs as part of a restructuring effort. According to sources, the exact number of employees affected is unknown, but it's believed to be in the dozens. The news broke when a former employee took to LinkedIn to share their experience, and was quickly picked up by Game Developer. Publisher 2K Games soon confirmed the layoffs, stating that the studio is "restructuring and optimizing its development process for adaptability, collaboration, and creativity." The company declined to provide further details on the number of employees laid off. Civilization VII, which launched in 2025, has been struggling to find its footing since its release. The game's initial sales were lukewarm, with some critics panning its buggy performance and UI issues. Since then, Firaxis has released several patches addressing player feedback, but the damage may have already been done. Firaxis Games has a rich history in the gaming industry, having developed several critically acclaimed titles, including the Civilization series and XCOM. However, the studio's recent efforts have been met with mixed reviews. Marvel's Midnight Suns, which launched in 2022, also received lukewarm reception from critics and players alike. Industry analysts point to the game's divisive changes as a major factor contributing to its struggles. "Firaxis took a risk by shaking up the formula, but it seems they may have alienated some of their core fans," said one analyst. "It's going to be tough for them to win back those players." As Firaxis faces an uncertain future, the gaming community is left wondering what's next for the studio. Will they be able to bounce back from this setback, or will it mark a turning point in their history? Only time will tell. Background: Firaxis Games was founded in 1996 by Sid Meier and Jeff Briggs. The studio has since developed several critically acclaimed titles, including Civilization II, III, IV, V, and VI, as well as XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its sequel. Marvel's Midnight Suns marked a departure from their traditional strategy genre, but it seems that may not have been the right move for the studio. Additional Perspectives: Some fans are calling for Firaxis to go back to their roots, citing the success of previous games in the series. "I loved Civilization VI, and I was really looking forward to VII," said one fan. "But the changes they made just didn't sit right with me. I hope they take this as an opportunity to listen to feedback and make some changes." Others are more sympathetic towards Firaxis, acknowledging that the gaming industry is constantly evolving. "It's not easy to adapt to changing market trends and player preferences," said one analyst. "Firaxis has a rich history of innovation, and I'm confident they'll come out stronger on the other side." *Reporting by Arstechnica.*