Smite 2 Frenzy: Studio Ditches Multiple Projects to Focus on its Next-Gen MOBA

HiRez Studios Abandons Multiple Games to Focus on Smite 2

In a shocking move, HiRez Studios, the developer and publisher behind Smite and Rogue Company, has decided to shift its remaining resources away from some of its current games to focus on the upcoming Smite 2. This means that Smite, Rogue Company, and class-based shooter Paladins will no longer receive large content updates in the future.

The news comes as a result of HiRez Studios laying off around 70 employees, as reported by several sources, including GameDeveloper.com and Dexerto. A user on the Smite subreddit has compiled a list of public layoff confirmations from individual employees, while a Discord message from a HiRez representative reportedly reads that a "reduction" across all of the company’s internal teams has occurred, leading to significant changes for its games.

In an email to Kotaku, HiRez Studios’ president Stewart Chisam confirmed the layoffs, stating that 70 people were let go across "all divisions." Chisam also expressed his disappointment in having to let go of so many talented developers, but emphasized that this was necessary to ensure the company’s survival in the current industry environment.

In a statment, Chisam assured fans that Smite 2 will be the "primary focus of the newly streamlined operations" and that the original Smite, Paladins, and Rogue Company servers will remain available for the foreseeable future, with only minor updates planned.

While this news may be disheartening for fans of the affected games, it’s clear that HiRez Studios is prioritizing the future of Smite 2 and ensuring the company’s survival in a rapidly changing industry.