Microsoft-owned developer King, renowned for its Candy Crush franchise, is reportedly implementing significant changes by replacing a number of employees with internally developed AI tools. A recent report from MobileGamer.Biz reveals that the company initiated layoffs earlier this month, affecting approximately 200 employees across offices in Barcelona, Spain.
The layoffs specifically impact staff involved in level design and user research, including around 50 employees from the London-based Farm Heroes Saga team. Some members of the game’s leadership have reportedly been placed on gardening leave in anticipation of their departures in September.
Sources indicate that many of those at risk of redundancy, including level designers and user research personnel, have dedicated recent years to building and refining AI tools. These tools are now effectively replacing entire teams, particularly in copywriting, where reports suggest a complete reduction of positions due to the automation capabilities.
Furthermore, centralized roles, including research and QA teams, are also seeing cuts or relocations to production teams. These developments reflect King’s broader strategy to streamline operations, as indicated in an internal memo shared by the reporting outlet. The memo highlighted the need to simplify the organization, aiming for fewer layers and less time spent in meetings, in order to foster more efficient project execution.
Ongoing discussions between King leadership, unions, and staff span across their London, Barcelona, Stockholm, and Berlin offices, leaving many employees uncertain about their job security through the summer months. The company has assured its staff that an updated organizational structure will be presented in September following negotiations.
King’s focus on efficiency and the integration of AI follows a commitment to invest more in marketing and unlock advanced AI tools to foster growth. Notably, in early 2024, King discussed its use of AI in handling mundane tasks, allowing employees to dedicate more time to creative development, demonstrating a proactive approach to leveraging technology in the gaming industry.
With the Candy Crush series achieving remarkable success, generating $20 billion in revenue and exceeding five billion downloads, King is poised to adapt and evolve, reminding stakeholders that the mobile gaming sector is still in its infancy, and opportunities for innovation and growth remain abundant. This strategic shift reflects a broader trend in the gaming sector towards integrating technology to enhance productivity and creativity.