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Metal Hellsinger Developer Closes Amid Funcom Layoffs

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Outsiders, developer of Metal Hellsinger, is closing due to Funcom layoffs.
Founder David Goldfarb announced the closure on Bluesky, thanking the team.
The studio, 10 years old, faced Darkborn’s cancellation but found Metal Hellsinger.
Funcom laid off staff after Dune: Awakening, its biggest release; Goldfarb says team will keep creating games, and 2025 layoffs are estimated at 4,400.

History

Historical Context

The video game industry surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching $159.3 billion in revenue in 2020. However, unsustainable growth led to mass layoffs starting in 2022, with an estimated 45,000 jobs lost by mid-2025. Funcom's layoffs and studio closures reflect broader economic challenges, as companies restructure amidst rising development costs and shifting consumer habits, raising concerns about the industry's future.

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Story summary

The Outsiders, developer of Metal Hellsinger, is closing due to Funcom layoffs.
Founder David Goldfarb announced the closure on Bluesky, thanking the team.
The studio, 10 years old, faced Darkborn’s cancellation but found Metal Hellsinger.
Funcom laid off staff after Dune: Awakening, its biggest release; Goldfarb says team will keep creating games, and 2025 layoffs are estimated at 4,400.

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