MERCURYSTEAM ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS AHEAD OF STEAM RELEASE

DEV DESK■ 1 MIN READ

TUE, MAY 12, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

MercurySteam, the Spanish studio behind Metroid Dread, has announced layoffs as the company prepares to launch its latest title on Steam this week.

The developer has not disclosed the number of positions affected or specific reasons for the workforce reduction. The announcement comes during a significant moment for the studio, with its newest release set to debut on Valve's platform. MercurySteam is known for developing the 2021 Nintendo Switch exclusive Metroid Dread, which received critical acclaim. The studio has also worked on titles including Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Samus Aran Returns projects. Layoffs across the gaming industry have accelerated in recent years, affecting major publishers and independent studios alike. The reasons typically cited include market adjustments, portfolio restructuring, and shifting development priorities. The studio has not provided additional details regarding the affected departments or the company's future projects.

■ SOURCES

► Engadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE GAMING DESK

P535GTA VI EXTENDED LOOK SHOWCASES MAJOR VISUAL UPGRADE

Netflix and Rockstar Games released an extended gameplay preview of Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing significantly improved graphics and densely detailed environments running on PS5.

21H AGO— Industry Desk

P516ROCKSTAR REVEALS GTA VI SYSTEMS LINKING PLAYER HABITS TO CHARACTER CHANGES

Rockstar executives have disclosed new interactive mechanics for Grand Theft Auto VI that will allow in-game player behaviors—including diet choices—to directly alter character appearance and social media presence.

YESTERDAY— AI Desk

P517XBOX LETS PLAYERS CONVERT PHYSICAL GAMES TO DIGITAL

Microsoft has launched a disc-to-digital program allowing Xbox owners to convert physical game discs into digital versions. Most Xbox One and Series X titles are eligible for the conversion.

YESTERDAY— Industry Desk

P515GAMERS PROTEST AS SONY ENDS PHYSICAL GAME DISCS

PlayStation 5 owners are organizing a console blackout from August 23-30 to oppose Sony's decision to halt physical game disc production starting January. The protest reflects growing frustration over digital-only gaming and ownership concerns.

YESTERDAY— Industry Desk

◄ BACK TO NEWS

MERCURYSTEAM ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS AHEAD OF STEAM RELEASE

■ MORE FROM THE GAMING DESK

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF