The video game industry is once again in the spotlight as layoffs continue to disrupt studios worldwide. The Chinese Room, renowned for award-winning titles like Everyone's Gone to the Rapture and Still Wakes the Deep, has become the latest victim of corporate restructuring. The studio is currently developing the highly anticipated sequel Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, leaving fans concerned about potential delays or impacts on the game's quality.

The gaming sector has been grappling with significant workforce reductions since 2023, with both AAA companies and indie developers facing financial challenges. Despite hopes for stabilization in 2025, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. The recent layoffs at The Chinese Room, confirmed through reports by Game Developer and employee posts on LinkedIn, have raised questions about the future of ongoing projects.

According to sources, Sumo Group, the parent company of The Chinese Room, has implemented restructuring measures resulting in job cuts. At least nine employees, including key roles like technical producers and VFX artists, have publicly shared their departure. These individuals were instrumental in developing Still Wakes the Deep and were actively working on Bloodlines 2. The timing is particularly concerning, coming shortly after the release of Still Wakes the Deep's DLC, Siren's Rest.

Latest Game Information

Fans have expressed their worries across social media platforms, questioning whether the October 2025 release window for Bloodlines 2 will be affected. The lack of an official statement from either The Chinese Room or Sumo Group has only fueled speculation about the studio's future projects.

The broader gaming community remains apprehensive about the industry's direction. While some optimism exists following successful hardware launches like the Nintendo Switch 2, the persistent wave of layoffs casts a shadow over long-term stability. Developers and players alike are calling for greater transparency and support for affected workers.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on The Chinese Room and its upcoming projects. The studio's ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its creative vision will be crucial for both its survival and the satisfaction of its dedicated fanbase.