Layoffs Impact Shroud’s Spectre Divide Development Team Shortly After Game Launch

The development team behind Shroud’s Spectre Divide has experienced layoffs in the same month the tactical shooter was launched. A total of 13 employees were let go as the studio prepares for long-term support of the game.

Following a brief early access phase, Spectre Divide officially launched on PC on September 3. Heavily promoted by former Counter-Strike professional and popular Twitch streamer Shroud, this 3v3 tactical shooter attracted over 30,000 concurrent players on Steam at its peak.

With its innovative gameplay mechanics allowing players to control two characters and switch between them freely, combined with a unique cel-shaded art style, the game initially stood out. However, it faced criticism for its high prices on in-game cosmetics, prompting a rapid response from the developers.

Now, just 22 days post-launch, Mountaintop Studios, the creative team behind Spectre Divide, has been affected by layoffs, notifying 13 employees of their job loss on September 25.

Thirteen people were laid off from Mountaintop Studios — the makers of the stylish 3v3 shooter Spectre Divide, which was released on Sept. 3. It’s a real bummer, I’m sure, to finally be able to show off your work, then get laid off. pic.twitter.com/VTW7kpPH78

— Nicole Carpenter (@sweetpotatoes) September 25, 2024

In a memo shared by Polygon’s Nicole Carpenter, CEO and Co-Founder Nate Mitchell stated, “To ensure we’re properly aligned to support Spectre and its community for the long term, we made the very difficult decision to reduce 13 full-time roles at the studio.”

He added, “We can’t thank these team members enough for their hard work and dedication to Spectre over the last few years.”

Despite these layoffs, the team remains focused on attracting new fans and enhancing Spectre Divide in the months ahead. Currently, Mountaintop’s workforce is reportedly between 50-100 full-time employees.

With the player count declining and the average Steam review rating falling, the challenge ahead for the remaining staff is significant.

Additionally, Shroud, the game’s prominent face, has been noted expressing frustration in several gaming sessions, a marked contrast to his typically calm demeanor on stream.

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