Rocksteady Responds to Suicide Squad Failure with Layoffs
Rocksteady Responds to Suicide Squad Failure with Layoffs after the game's disappointing release. The studio has reportedly laid off several staff members, directly tied to the poor performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Significant Cuts to the Quality Assurance Team
The layoffs primarily impacted Rocksteady's quality assurance (QA) team. Sources reveal that the team was reduced from 33 to just 15 members. The studio reportedly made these cuts in response to the game's failure to meet sales expectations, resulting in a $200 million hit for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Impact on Product Quality
The reduction in the QA team raises concerns about the future quality of Rocksteady's games. Management allegedly acknowledged that these layoffs would likely affect product quality. With fewer testers, the remaining team may struggle to maintain the high standards expected from Rocksteady titles.
A Mixed Workforce Affected
The layoffs affected both junior employees and veteran team members, some of whom had been with the studio for over five years. The decision has sparked concern among fans and industry insiders alike, especially given the reputation Rocksteady has built over the years.
Suicide Squad: A Disappointing Release
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launched in January 2024 as a live-service game featuring iconic characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot. However, the game faced immediate issues. Players who paid extra for early access were kicked out due to a bug, leading to widespread frustration.
The game's sales were poor, and it was labeled a disappointment by Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav. Critical reception was also harsh, with IGN giving it a 5/10 rating, calling it a "repetitive and bland looter-shooter."
Rocksteady Responds to Suicide Squad Failure with Layoffs signals a challenging time for the studio. As the company navigates this setback, fans are left wondering about the future of the once-celebrated developer.