Full Breakdown
10 Chambers Faces Significant Restructuring and Layoffs
2/14/2026, 7:44:15 PM
Overview of Layoffs at 10 Chambers
10 Chambers, the Swedish developer known for the cooperative shooter GTFO and the upcoming title Den of Wolves, has announced a significant restructuring that has resulted in a large number of layoffs, including several co-founders. The layoffs were first reported on LinkedIn, where multiple employees shared their experiences of being let go. Co-founder Hjalmar Vikström confirmed his departure from the studio, stating his intention to pursue independent game development focused on smaller projects.
In an official statement, 10 Chambers acknowledged the layoffs, emphasizing the need to reevaluate their operational structure to ensure the success of Den of Wolves. The studio stated, “We’re taking a hard look at how we work and how the studio is set up, so Den of Wolves can become the game it deserves to be.” The exact number of employees affected has not been disclosed, but the restructuring appears to have impacted a significant portion of the staff.
Background and Context
Founded in 2015 by former designers of the Payday series, 10 Chambers gained recognition with the release of GTFO in 2021. The studio sold a major stake to Tencent in 2020, which provided financial backing for future projects. Den of Wolves, announced at The Game Awards in 2023, represents a shift towards a more ambitious project, drawing comparisons to the Payday franchise but set in a cyberpunk dystopia.
Official Statements & Responses
In their statement, 10 Chambers expressed that the restructuring is a thoughtful process aimed at aligning the studio's operations with the vision for Den of Wolves. They noted, “We recognize these changes are difficult, and we’re approaching them thoughtfully. Out of respect for everyone involved, we won’t comment on individual situations.” Ulf Andersson and Simon Viklund, remaining co-founders, reaffirmed their commitment to the game and the studio's future.
Criticism & Opposition
The layoffs have drawn attention within the gaming community, especially as they follow a similar trend in the industry. Just days prior, Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of Highguard, laid off most of its staff shortly after the game's release. This pattern raises concerns about job security and the sustainability of studios in the current gaming landscape.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While 10 Chambers has confirmed the layoffs, the specifics regarding the number of employees affected remain unclear. Additionally, Vikström's departure was not explicitly linked to the restructuring, leading to speculation about the reasons behind his exit. Previous layoffs at the studio in February 2024, which affected five roles, highlight ongoing challenges within the organization.
What's Next
As 10 Chambers navigates this restructuring phase, the future of Den of Wolves remains uncertain. The studio has not announced a release date for the game, and further updates are expected to be communicated through official channels as they develop. The gaming community will be closely monitoring the studio's next steps and the impact of these changes on their upcoming projects.
