Sea of Thieves co-developer Radical Forge confirms layoffs

Sea of Thieves co-developer Radical Forge has laid off “a handful” of employees.

The Middlesbrough, UK-based indie studio said in a message posted on X that it was restructuring “to continue operating in the current challenging market”.

Founded in 2017, Radical Forge also has co-development credits on Gang Beasts, Rust: Console Edition and Zombie Army 4. It released its first original IP, murder mystery narrative-puzzler Bright Paw, in 2020.

“We have announced some restructuring at Radical Forge to continue operating in the current challenging market,” the company said. “This will mean that there will be a handful of people whose roles or skill sets are no longer needed on current or upcoming projects, and their contracts will end earlier than anticipated.”

“This situation is heartbreaking for all involved,” it added. “We are a very close-knit company and proud of the people-focused culture we have created. We will do everything we can to ease the situation of anyone affected and help them find alternative roles.”

Radical Forge said that the restructuring won’t impact the delivery of any existing projects. It’s currently working on physics-based farming game Southfield, which is “coming soon” to Steam early access.

It’s also set to self-publish the game, which was funded by the Private Division development fund.