Troubled developers Creative Assembly are set to undergo significant changes following the cancellation of their online competitive shooter game, Hyenas. Sega, the owners of Creative Assembly, recently announced their decision to cancel the game’s development and shift their focus back to the studio’s strengths in offline real-time strategy (RTS) games. This sudden change in direction has resulted in a number of layoffs at the UK-based studio as Sega looks to improve lost profitability caused by various factors affecting the company.
Sega President and CEO Haruki Satomi explained that, despite Hyenas receiving a relatively warm reception during its closed beta on PC, the company ultimately decided to cancel its development. Satomi highlighted concerns about the game’s long-term quality and the ability to sustain it as a competitive online game. While acknowledging the game’s overall quality, Sega believed it would not meet the standards expected by users over an extended period of time. This decision to cancel Hyenas, which was reportedly the most expensive game developed by Creative Assembly to date, also led to the cancellation of other unannounced titles.
As part of their “structural reform” plan for the consumer entertainment division, Sega emphasized the need for each studio to refocus on their respective strengths. Satomi specifically pointed out that Creative Assembly excels in developing offline RTS games, such as the highly successful Total War series. By doubling down on their expertise in this genre, the studio aims to regain stability and profitability.
The Restructuring Process
The cancellation of Hyenas has unfortunately resulted in a number of layoffs at Creative Assembly. Sega is currently undergoing consultations to manage these job losses and mitigate the impact of sudden business changes. Factors such as sluggish sales and increased costs, including inflation and rising wages, have affected Sega’s overall profitability. The restructuring process aims to address these challenges and ensure a more sustainable future for the company.
Focusing on Strengths
Sega’s decision to refocus on Creative Assembly’s strengths reflects a strategic shift in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. While initially adopting an ambitious approach to drive growth across all studios, the company realized that some studios performed better than others. Therefore, Sega has decided to adopt a more targeted strategy that leverages the unique strengths of each studio. In the case of Creative Assembly, their expertise in developing offline RTS games positions them well for future success.
With a renewed emphasis on offline RTS games, Creative Assembly can reestablish themselves as industry leaders in this genre. The Total War series has proven to be a flagship franchise for the studio, offering immersive experiences and strategic gameplay. By doubling down on their strengths and capitalizing on their expertise, Creative Assembly has the potential to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to their dedicated fanbase.
Sega’s decision to cancel the development of Hyenas and refocus on Creative Assembly’s strengths in offline RTS games marks a significant turning point for the studio. Through this strategic shift, Creative Assembly aims to regain stability and profitability while continuing to deliver high-quality gaming experiences. As fans eagerly await the studio’s next project, it is clear that Creative Assembly’s future lies in the realm of offline real-time strategy games.
Leave a Reply