Firaxis Games Shakes Up Ranks: Civilization VII Studio Announces Layoffs Amid Restructuring

Firaxis Games Suffers Layoffs Amid Restructuring Efforts In a surprise move, Firaxis Games, the studio behind the popular Civilization VII series, has undergone layoffs as part of a restructuring effort. The news broke when a former employee took to LinkedIn to announce her unemployment, which was subsequently picked up by Game Developer and confirmed by publisher 2K Games. "We can confirm there was a staff reduction today at Firaxis Games, as the studio restructures and optimizes its development process for adaptability, collaboration, and creativity," a spokesperson wrote in a statement to multiple news outlets. However, the company declined to disclose the number of employees affected by the layoffs. Firaxis has faced challenges with its recent releases, including 2022's Marvel's Midnight Suns and 2025's Civilization VII. The latter game launched to lukewarm initial sales and player numbers, with some critics citing bugs and UI problems that frustrated players. Additionally, Civilization VII made significant changes to the franchise's formula, which alienated some fans. "Civilization VII has consistently lagged behind its predecessors in terms of sales and player engagement," said industry analyst Michael Pachter. "While it's not uncommon for a series to experience a dip in popularity after a major overhaul, Firaxis needs to get back on track if they want to maintain their loyal fan base." Firaxis has been releasing patches and responding to player feedback since the game's launch, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to turn the tide. The studio's future plans are unclear at this time. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Firaxis faces stiff competition from other studios and franchises. With a legacy of critically acclaimed games, including Civilization IV and V, the studio must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve. Background Firaxis Games was founded in 1996 by Sid Meier and Jeff Briggs. The studio is known for its work on the Civilization series, as well as other popular titles such as XCOM and Sid Meier's Pirates!. Firaxis has consistently pushed the boundaries of game development, incorporating innovative mechanics and features into their games. Current Status The layoffs at Firaxis Games are a significant blow to the studio, which has been struggling to regain momentum after the launch of Civilization VII. While the company remains tight-lipped about the number of employees affected, it's clear that Firaxis is undergoing a major restructuring effort. As the gaming industry continues to shift and evolve, one thing is certain: Firaxis must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the competition. With a legacy of critically acclaimed games, the studio has the potential to bounce back from this setback and continue pushing the boundaries of game development. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*