11 Bit Studios, based in Poland, has recently let go of several employees, although the exact number remains undisclosed. This decision comes after the company announced the cancellation of its ambitious endeavor, Project 8, which was intended to be their first major console-centric game. Work on this project kicked off in 2018, and by 2024, it had brought together 37 team members.
The company reported having invested PLN 48.4 million, which is equivalent to $11.8 million, into Project 8 before deciding to call it quits. The project had faced multiple setbacks over its development period, one significant hurdle being the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Przemysław Marszał, the President of the Board, shared some insights into the decision. “Our vision for Project 8 was bold and exciting, aimed at capturing the console gaming market. However, it was envisioned at a time when narrative and story-rich games had a greater appeal,” he explained.
He elaborated further by saying, “When we assess a project, we take into account its developmental progress, internal evaluations, and surveys conducted by independent sources. We also consider market analysis, along with the potential sales and marketing impact of the game. Unfortunately, with Project 8, we identified unresolved issues and challenges. Addressing these would have required extending the production timeline and increasing the budget. Coupled with revised sales forecasts that reflect current market changes, the project’s potential profitability became doubtful.”
