It looks like stormy weather is approaching for NaturalMotion, the UK-based studio behind Star Wars: Hunters. As Zynga undergoes a broader review of its operations, layoffs are reportedly expected at the studio. NaturalMotion, which has been part of Zynga since 2014, is known for creating high-profile mobile games such as CSR Racing and Clumsy Ninja. However, its most recent project, Star Wars: Hunters, has faced some challenges, prompting concerns about its future.
What’s Going On at NaturalMotion?
Zynga’s decision to review its operations is part of a larger strategic evaluation following its acquisition by Take-Two Interactive in 2022. As Zynga works to integrate its teams and focus on core priorities, some studios, including NaturalMotion, may face staffing reductions. The review process suggests that Zynga is streamlining its portfolio, ensuring that resources are allocated to its most promising projects.
Star Wars: Hunters has been in soft launch for some time and has seen delays, adding pressure on the studio to meet expectations. Despite the game’s highly anticipated concept—a competitive arena game set in the Star Wars universe—early performance hasn’t lived up to the hype, making it a candidate for reevaluation.
The Impact on Zynga and Take-Two’s Strategy
Since Zynga’s acquisition by Take-Two, there’s been a noticeable push to optimize mobile game development. This review isn’t just isolated to NaturalMotion; Zynga’s entire portfolio is under scrutiny. The mobile games industry has grown increasingly competitive, and companies are being forced to make tough choices about where to focus their development efforts. Zynga has numerous projects in development, and the decision to trim staff at NaturalMotion likely reflects a desire to double down on its strongest franchises.
In fact, Zynga has been exploring mobile versions of popular Take-Two franchises such as Bioshock and Borderlands, which could explain the reduced focus on Star Wars: Hunters. With other high-potential IPs in development, NaturalMotion’s role in Zynga’s future may be shifting toward supporting projects that have a higher likelihood of success.
Why It Matters
Layoffs in the gaming industry are always tough, particularly for developers and teams working on high-profile games. NaturalMotion’s future role in Zynga’s strategy remains uncertain, and while Star Wars: Hunters is still in development, it’s clear that its struggles have had a broader impact on the studio. For now, it’s a waiting game to see how Zynga and Take-Two adjust their mobile game portfolio moving forward.
As more details emerge, developers and fans alike will be keeping an eye on how these changes affect both Star Wars: Hunters and NaturalMotion’s future projects.
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