Summary
The developer behindPredator: Hunting GroundsIllFonichas announced a wave of layoffs within the studio, which is an unfortunate recurrence that has plagued several sectors of the gaming industry recently. Ubisoft, NetherRealm Studios, and Take-Two Interactive, to name a few, were all affected by layoffs in 2024, and now,IllFonic, the studio behind several asymmetrical and multiplayer games, will follow suit.
IllFonic is an American-based developer with offices in Colorado, Washington, and Texas, and the studio was founded by Charles Brungardt, Kedhrin Gonzales, and Raphael Saadiq in 2007. IllFonic’s popular asymmetrical horrorFriday the 13th: The Gamerecently shut down its serverson October 31, and horror fans are hoping for another project featuring the serial killer Jason Voorhees to surface in the future that meets the standard of the 2017 game.
Announced on the developer’s Twitter account, IllFonic CEO and Co-Founder Charles Brungardt confirmed the developer had accepted the “harsh reality that the state of the industry has impacted us.” The statement outlined that cuts had been made to the studio’s teams as it “re-aligned to a refined strategy.”Destinydeveloper Bungie laid off 200 peoplethis year to re-evaluate its development efforts, which is a process echoed in IllFonic’s refined strategy move. Brungardt acknowledged it was with “the heaviest of hearts” to deliver the news, and encouraged other companies to take advantage of the affected team members’ talents for other positions in the industry. The CEO did not confirm the number of roles that were affected in-office, but Senior Social Media and Community Manager Mike Robles was confirmed to be among them.
Predator: Hunting Grounds Developer IllFonic Announces Layoffs
The gaming industry has endured mass layoffs throughout 2024, includingRiot Games’ recent reduction of itsLeague of Legendsdevelopers, but the outpouring of support for the IllFonic team arrived in abundance through social media. Industry professionals and fans of the developer showed support for all those affected and took the chance to send their appreciation for the projects they were involved in, such asGhostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Furthermore, Robles added in a personal Twitter post that the layoffs came as a shock to many employees.
IllFonic has developed seven games since 2012’sNexuiz, includingDead AllianceandArcadegeddon, and the studio also provided supportive development forArmored Warfare,Star Citizen, andSonic Boom: Rise of Lyric.Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Gamerecently received new content, including Klowntalities, mini-games, and extra goodies for the Halloween period, and the 2024 title was another project IllFonic developed and published.
Predator: Hunting Grounds
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt or be hunted in this asymmetrical multiplayer shooter that pits man against Predator. As part of a Fireteam, complete missions before the Predator finds you. Or be the Predator and hunt your prey.Be the Predator– hunt down the opposing Fireteam, using deadly alien weaponry to stalk your prey.Get to the chopper– complete challenging missions as part of a four-person Fireteam to escape.Wield human and alien weaponry– fight with a state-of-the-art arsenal as the Fireteam, and deadly tech like the shoulder-mounted Plasma Caster, Combistick and more as the Predator.
