# Crytek Cuts 60 Jobs, Focuses on Hunt: Showdown Over Crysis 4
The well-known German game developer Crytek, celebrated for its contributions to the *Crysis* franchise, *Hunt: Showdown*, and the CryEngine, has disclosed substantial layoffs and a strategic realignment. The firm announced that it has dismissed 60 employees—around 15% of its staff—amid challenging market conditions. Furthermore, work on *Crysis 4* has been suspended as Crytek shifts its focus to *Hunt: Showdown*.
## **Crytek Encounters Layoffs Due to Market Pressures**
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Crytek recognized the challenges it has encountered in recent times, noting “complex and unfavorable market dynamics” as a significant factor for the layoffs. Despite initiatives to reduce expenses, the company ultimately found it necessary to downsize its workforce.
The job cuts impact both development teams and administrative personnel. Crytek has promised laid-off employees will receive severance packages and help with job placement.
## **Hunt: Showdown Becomes the Focus Over Crysis 4**
A major takeaway from Crytek’s announcement is the decision to halt work on *Crysis 4* until at least Q3 2024. While this does not imply that the project is canceled, it suggests that Crytek is redirecting its attention elsewhere in the near term.
Instead, the studio is concentrating its efforts on *Hunt: Showdown 1896*, the multiplayer survival shooter that has cultivated a dedicated player community. Crytek has vowed to enhance the game with “exciting new content,” solidifying its position as the company’s main priority.
## **CryEngine’s Importance in Crytek’s Future**
Despite the internal changes, Crytek’s custom game engine, CryEngine, remains integral to the company’s operational framework. The engine continues to be leveraged by third-party developers, including Warhorse Studios for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* and Arkane Studios for *Prey*.
In 2023, *Hunt: Showdown* experienced its most considerable update to date, featuring a significant graphics overhaul and a rebranding. Although the update was generally well-received in terms of content, it also brought technical challenges that required several patches to address.
## **Implications for Crytek and Its Audience**
Crytek’s choice to prioritize *Hunt: Showdown* over *Crysis 4* signifies the increasing relevance of live-service multiplayer games in the current gaming landscape. While *Crysis* franchise fans may feel disheartened by the postponement, the studio’s dedication to *Hunt: Showdown* indicates that it sees enduring promise in the game’s evolving landscape.
At this stage, Crytek will concentrate on stabilizing its operations, supporting its remaining workforce, and rolling out new content for *Hunt: Showdown*. Whether development on *Crysis 4* will recommence later in 2024 is still unclear, but for now, the studio is placing its bets on multiplayer achievements.
### **Final Thoughts**
Crytek’s layoffs and strategic realignment underscore the hurdles game developers face in a fiercely competitive environment. While the fate of *Crysis 4* continues to be uncertain, *Hunt: Showdown* remains a central focus for the studio. As the industry transforms, Crytek’s flexibility will be key to its long-term viability. Fans of the studio will be attentively observing the developments ahead.