Airship Syndicate, the developer behind Wayfinder, has recently experienced gaming industry layoffs, with a significant restructuring that resulted in the layoffs of 12 employees. This move was part of a broader strategy to keep the studio afloat and maintain its ability to deliver quality gaming experiences. In a show of solidarity and commitment to the company’s future, Airship Syndicate’s top executives, President Ryan Stefanelli and CEO Joe Madureira, have also taken voluntary pay cuts. The game Wayfinder, which has faced its share of challenges since launch, remains a focus for the studio, with 80 people still working full-time on its development.
Layoffs at Airship Syndicate and Executive Pay Cuts
The gaming industry often faces turbulent times, and Airship Syndicate is no exception. The studio recently announced the layoffs of 12 of its team members. This difficult decision was deemed necessary to ensure the studio’s continued operation and its ability to deliver great experiences to players. In a notable act of leadership, both President Ryan Stefanelli and CEO Joe Madureira have taken pay cuts to contribute to the company’s stability.
| Layoffs | 12 employees |
| Executive Pay Cuts | President & CEO |
The specific details of the pay cuts for Stefanelli and Madureira have not been disclosed, but their willingness to share in the financial sacrifices during these challenging times is a gesture that goes against the grain of typical corporate responses to financial strain.
Wayfinder developer Airship Syndicate has confirmed the layoffs of 12 employees, as part of an effort to keep the studio open and operating.
— Nicole Carpenter @Polygon.com (@sweetpotatoes) March 25, 2023
Current Status and Future of Wayfinder
The launch of Wayfinder was met with anticipation but quickly encountered significant hurdles. The game, which showed promise in its early beta in 2023, struggled with server issues that led to long wait times and a less-than-favorable reception from players. These technical difficulties have resulted in a “mixed” user rating on Steam, with only 47% of user reviews being positive.
- Launch issues due to server troubles
- “Mixed” user rating on Steam
- Full control transferred back to Airship Syndicate from publisher Digital Extremes
Despite these setbacks, the game’s development continues with the studio at the helm, determined to steer Wayfinder towards a more successful future.
In the face of recent challenges, Airship Syndicate remains optimistic about the future of Wayfinder. The studio has assured players and fans that the recent layoffs and restructuring are not signaling the end for the game. There is a commitment to moving forward, and the team is working on plans to ensure Wayfinder’s continued development and success. The gaming community can expect to receive more information about what lies ahead for Wayfinder in the near future.
