The release of the reboot of the horror classic Alone in the Dark was met with anticipation and excitement among fans of the series. Originally scheduled to launch last year, the release was delayed multiple times to avoid competition with other games and to ensure that the developers were not overworked. The modern reimagining of the first Alone in the Dark game from 1992 featured a revamped storyline that followed David Harbour and Jodie Comer as they searched for a missing uncle in the haunted Derceto Manor. The game’s narrative was spearheaded by writer Mikael Hedberg, known for his work on SOMA and Amnesia, and monster designer Guy Davis, previously of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
Despite the efforts to modernize the gameplay by switching to an over-the-shoulder perspective, the reception of the game was mixed. Reviews noted that while the game successfully expanded on the original scenario and characters, the exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat remained within the confines of familiar survival horror tropes. Critic Jon’s review aligned with the general consensus of a lukewarm reception to the reboot.
Just over a month after the release of the game, news broke that Pieces Interactive had laid off a number of staff members. Former QA analyst Helena Hansen took to X-er to announce that she was among those affected by the layoffs. The announcement was met with shock and disappointment, with Helena expressing heartbreak for herself and her colleagues who were also let go. As of now, it remains unclear how many employees were impacted by the layoffs, as neither Pieces Interactive nor THQ Nordic have confirmed the exact number of staff cuts.
Despite being owned by Embracer, a company known for its history of layoffs, Pieces Interactive had appeared to weather the storm of restructuring up until now. CEO Lars Wingefors had previously stated that the company’s job-cutting phase, which began last summer, had come to an end. However, the recent layoffs following the Alone in the Dark reboot’s release suggest that the future of Pieces Interactive may be uncertain.
The fallout from the Alone in the Dark reboot has not only affected the critical reception of the game but has also led to layoffs at Pieces Interactive. The impact of these layoffs on the company’s future remains to be seen, as employees and fans alike await further clarification on the situation.
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