Crysis 4 ‘On Hold’ as Developer Crytek Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 60 Staff

Crytek, the studio behind the iconic Crysis series and the popular Hunt: Showdown, has announced a difficult decision: laying off approximately 60 employees, representing 15% of its 400-person workforce. This restructuring, affecting both development and shared services teams, comes despite the continued growth of Hunt: Showdown.

In a statement from founder Avni Yerli, Crytek cited challenging market conditions as the primary reason for the layoffs. Following the decision to put Crysis 4 on hold in Q3 2024 and a subsequent effort to transition staff to Hunt: Showdown, cost-cutting measures proved insufficient to maintain financial stability. The company emphasizes its commitment to providing severance packages and career assistance to affected employees.

Yerli’s statement assures the gaming community that Crytek remains confident in its future, focusing on the continued success of Hunt: Showdown and the ongoing development of its CRYENGINE technology. This strategic shift prioritizes the company's strong, existing live service game.

The news follows previous reports of a canceled Crysis battle royale project, codenamed Crysis Next, which was scrapped in favor of the announced Crysis 4 in January 2022. While Crysis 4 remains on hold, the legacy of the Crysis franchise, renowned for its groundbreaking visuals and demanding performance requirements, continues to resonate with gamers. The series, which debuted in 2007, cemented its place in gaming history, famously spawning the phrase "But can it run Crysis?" The last mainline entry, Crysis 3, was released in 2013, with remasters of earlier titles released in recent years.