Ascendant Studios lays off almost half of its team weeks after Immortals of Aveum release

Immortals of Aveum from Ascendant Studios was released on August 22, 2023, for PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5 with high hopes the game would become a success. On Thursday, Founder and CEO of Ascendant Studios announced they had to lay off almost 50% of its team as this was a necessary decision that was not made lightly.

“This was a painfully difficult, but necessary decision that was not made lightly; nevertheless, we have to make this adjustment now that Immortals of Aveum has shipped. We are supporting those affected in every way we can, including comprehensive severance packages and job placement assistance, as well as support services for those who remain.”

Ascendant Studios is a self-funded independent AAA studio that created a new IP which seems to be having a shakey start. Polygon reported that a former worker said Immortals of Aveum’s poor sales was the reason for the layoffs. According to Steamdb, the game barely peaked at 800 players in 24 hours and the play base struggles to stay alive.

Have you played Immortals of Aveum?

Source: Polygon & Reddit