Ghost of Yotei Developer Sucker Punch Reportedly Hit With Layoffs

Reports indicate that Sucker Punch Productions has experienced a round of layoffs following the one-year anniversary and Complete Edition release of Ghost of Yotei. According to reports citing an ex-employee and a leaked internal studio email, approximately 26 positions were affected at the Sony-owned developer.

Ghost of Yotei was released in October 2025 as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. While initial sales reached 3.3 million copies in its first 32 days, data from Alinea Analytics indicates that sales reached 5.4 million units by its one-year anniversary, trailing the 7-million-unit first-year milestone achieved by its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. Industry observers note that the game's strict PS5 exclusivity, compared to the multi-platform availability of Ghost of Tsushima, may have influenced its overall reach.

Industry Context and Wider Cuts

The reported reduction at Sucker Punch arrives amid broader industry contractions throughout 2026, which have seen multiple studio closures and workforce reductions across major publishers. Other notable industry events include:

• Recent structural changes at Microsoft affecting studios like Halo Studios.
• The closure of BioWare by EA and the subsequent cancelation of the in-development Mass Effect Universe project.
• Fan petitions and community responses surrounding cancelled titles.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Affected employees have reportedly been offered support by studio leadership, with further company updates anticipated.
• Readers and industry analysts can verify official corporate announcements through Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sucker Punch Productions' official communication channels.
• Claims regarding internal communications and specific employee counts originate from leaked materials and former staff accounts rather than formal press releases.