Hi-Rez Studios, the developer behind Smite, trims 'leadership roles' due to previous workforce reductions, admitting that the company holds a disproportionate number of senior management given its current size.
Smite 2's developer Hi-Rez Studios just restructured their management team, letting go of some top-tier execs. This time around, it's the high-ups who got the axe, including Stew, Hi-Rez's president, as well as execs like Travis Brown and Radar (Tony Jones). A couple from the RallyHere side of the biz were also sent packing.
The reason behind this leadership reshuffle, according to Hi-Rez, is that there were too many senior executives in comparison to the current size of the company. Luckily for fans, this won't affect the development or release of Smite 2. The studio is still planning to dish out new content at their usual pace.
News of the executive layoffs spread like wildfire through the gaming community, stirring a mix of emotions. While some players are fearful about the future of Hi-Rez and Smite 2, others remain optimistic about the studio's continued success.
Alex Cantatore, the head of Titan Forge Games, sister company of Hi-Rez, acknowledged the changes but emphasized that this wouldn't alter the company's goals or impact the development of Smite 2. Former Hi-Rez dev ThorDG expressed some bitterness about the situation, stating bluntly, "Lots of leadership is gone."
Smite's past few years haven't been the smoothest. When Smite 2 was announced in January 2024, Hi-Rez pledged to keep supporting both the original game and its sequel. But by the year's end, they scrapped that plan, laying off a bunch of employees and shutting down two other games to focus solely on Smite 2. This year saw the end of major updates for Smite, Paladins, and Rogue Company.
It's been a rocky road, but the studio that remains is still full of passion for Smite 2 and the community. Stewart Chisam, the outgoing president, expressed his belief that the team is absolutely incredible and will enjoy success with the Smite IP.
- The laid-off executives from Hi-Rez Studios included Stew, the president, as well as Travis Brown, Radar (Tony Jones), and some from the RallyHere side of the business, which could impact the future dynamics of the company's finance and business operations.
- Despite the changes in the management team, the development and release of Smite 2 are still on track, with the studio busy dishing out new content at their usual pace.
- The recent layoffs in Hi-Rez leadership have stirred mixed emotions within the gaming community, with some players expressing concerns about the future of Smite 2, while others remain optimistic about the studio's overall success and passion for the Smite IP.
- Technology and game development continue to evolve, and Hi-Rez Studios, as they navigate these changes, will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities with their flagship game, Smite 2, as well as titles like Paladins and Rogue Company.
