The layoffs in the gaming industry continue. This time, the wave of mass layoffs has hit the Halfbrick studio.
Fruit Ninja
Halfbrick stated on LinkedIn that it is undergoing restructuring. It didn't delve into the details behind its decision, but like many gaming companies before it, blamed the industry's crisis for the layoffs.
In comments to MobileGamer, Halfbrick representatives clarified that a total of 41 people have left the studio. It's worth noting that this is a significant number for the studio. According to Halfbrick's profile description on the aforementioned LinkedIn, the studio employs around one hundred staff, so the layoffs have substantially reduced the workforce.
Notably, the layoffs occurred shortly after the mobile release of the studio's new game, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen. It launched in December 2025 on iOS and in January 2026 on Android, with a premiere on PC and consoles planned for May. How the game performed at launch is unknown, so it's unclear if its reception by the audience influenced Halfbrick's decision.
It should be noted that Halfbrick has been in operation since 2001. It is best known for games like Fruit Ninja, Monster Dash, Jetpack Joyride, and Dan the Man.