Layoffs Hit Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Studio

Rocksteady Faces Further Layoffs Following Suicide Squad's Underperformance

Rocksteady Studios, renowned for the acclaimed Batman: Arkham series, has experienced a second wave of layoffs following the disappointing performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The game's mixed reception and underwhelming sales, reported by Warner Bros. in February, have had a significant impact on the studio.

Initial layoffs in September targeted the QA department, resulting in a 50% reduction in staff. However, recent reports from Eurogamer reveal further job cuts impacting programming and art teams, as 2024 drew to a close. Several anonymous employees confirmed their termination, highlighting the ongoing consequences of the game's underperformance. Warner Bros. remains silent on these latest developments, mirroring their response to the September layoffs.

The financial burden of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League impacted not only Rocksteady but also WB Games. The game's failure to meet sales expectations has triggered a ripple effect across the company.

Layoffs Extend Beyond Rocksteady

The impact of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's underperformance isn't limited to Rocksteady. WB Games Montreal, the studio behind Gotham Knights and Batman: Arkham Origins, also announced layoffs in December, primarily affecting QA staff who contributed to Suicide Squad's post-launch content.

The final DLC, released December 10th, introduced Deathstroke as a playable character. While a final update is planned for later this month, the studio's future plans remain uncertain. The game's commercial failure casts a shadow on Rocksteady's impressive track record, underscoring the significant challenges faced by live-service titles.