Zau Studio is notifying its employees of layoffs while it seeks financing

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Key insights

  • Surgent Studios, the developer of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, has notified its entire gaming team of layoffs.
  • Despite positive reviews, Tales of Kenzera: Zau failed to meet sales expectations.
  • The developer is seeking funding for its next game, which is said to be “darker, edgier and more immersive” than Tales of Kenzera: Zau.



The multimedia company that has evolved Tales of Kenzera: Zau has laid off its entire gaming staff due to funding issues. Although it was praised by critics, Tales of Kenzera: Zau has not performed well financially and it appears that the developer's jobs may be at risk due to the lack of funding for the studio's next project.

Developed by Surgent Studios, Tales of Kenzera: Zau was released in early 2024. A Metroidvania platformer, the game follows the adventures of Zau as he attempts to resurrect his father. The title features a deep and emotional story, fast-paced action and inspiration from African mythology. Unfortunately, despite positive reviews averaging 76 on OpenCritic, the game didn't sell very well and Surgent Studios laid off over a dozen employees in July.


Shared image with Impundulu, Kikiyaon and GaGorib.

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Now, Surgent Studios' financial situation doesn't seem to be improving as the company recently posted a message on social media claiming that the work of its gaming department is being paused. According to the studio, the entire team was also laid off. The studio was working on a “bold new project” that is said to be “darker, edgier and more visceral” than Tales of Kenzera: Zaubut the company currently requires funding to continue. This is certainly sad news, because… Tales of Kenzera: Zau was one of the best Metroidvania games released in 2024.


Surgent Studios employees are being notified of layoffs


Almost nothing is currently known about Surgent Studios' next game. Given the developer's experience with Metroidvania games, it's possible that the next title, if it ever gets funded and completed, will be in the same genre. However, this announcement suggests that there will be a big change in tone in comparison Tales of Kenzera: Zauis a heartfelt narrative.

Unfortunately, 2023 and 2024 were difficult years for the gaming industry as layoffs continued to affect many companies. In February, Embracer Group laid off nearly 8,000 employees, while Unity Technologies laid off 2,900 employees and Microsoft laid off 2,880 employees. The situation has affected many major companies, including Electronic Arts, Sony, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Riot Games, Sega, Ubisoft and others. The problem doesn't seem to have stopped yet and is becoming a big problem for smaller studios too. Hopefully Surgent Studios will get the funding it needs for its next game, although it's currently impossible to say when the current crisis in the gaming industry will end.


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