Rebellion Set to Release Atomfall on March 30 Amid Industry Challenges and Layoffs

Rebellion is gearing up for the release of Atomfall, showcasing resilience in the face of industry challenges and emphasizing team stability.

Rebellion, the British game studio known for its work on franchises like Sniper Elite, is set to release Atomfall, an action-adventure game inspired by the Fallout series, in just 20 days, specifically on March 30. This ambitious project comes during a challenging time for the gaming industry, which is currently witnessing widespread layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations.

In a decisive move, the studio behind Atomfall has opted to maintain a consistent team for its development by committing to not engage in frequent hiring and layoffs. In an interview with PC Gamer, Rebellion's CEO, Jason Kingsley, emphasized the importance of stability within the team. "We want to avoid hiring and firing people all the time," he stated, underlining a commitment to creating a sustainable work environment.

Despite working with elevated budgets, Kingsley clarified that these figures are still far below the hundreds of millions invested by larger companies. Rebellion's current strategy focuses on developing smaller-scale, high-quality games, such as Sniper Elite 5 and Evil Genius 2. According to Kingsley, this approach is not solely a financial decision but also reflects creative preferences. "I prefer a small, really good game over a huge game that doesn’t focus on what’s important for the player: making them have fun,” he remarked.

While Rebellion has primarily concentrated on sequels and titles based on established brands in recent years, Kingsley noted the studio’s desire to innovate. Approximately two-thirds of Rebellion’s games are developed within well-known franchises, while the remaining projects are more experimental. However, the studio is careful to strike a balance that preserves team stability.

With Atomfall on the horizon, Rebellion is demonstrating that it is possible to thrive in the gaming industry without resorting to mass layoffs. Their pragmatic approach and commitment to sustainable business practices could serve as a model for other studios navigating these uncertain times.