Blackbird Interactive, a Canadian game development studio, is experiencing layoffs, according to reports from impacted employees.

The studio, which had around 220 employees as of December 2023, is currently working on the upcoming real-time strategy game, Homeworld 3, along with the roguelike sci-fi deckbuilder, Earthless. It has previously developed Hardspace: Shipbreaker and co-developed Minecraft Legends with Mojang Studios.

Game Developer was the first to report the news, which was shared by several affected employees on LinkedIn. Lead producer Jacob Van Rooyen, who worked on a new IP project at the studio, was among those who announced the layoffs. He wrote, “This morning, Blackbird Interactive announced layoffs across the company and, unfortunately, I was one of those impacted. Despite the situation, I appreciate all the experiences and wonderful people I’ve met and known at BBI. I’ve been amazed and humbled by everyone’s support today, and I wish everyone impacted the best in landing on their feet.”

Other affected employees include associate programmer Dylan Freddi, as well as lead and senior game designer Victoria Wojcik. Wojcik announced, “2024 comes full of surprises! I am looking for work. Unfortunately I have been affected by recent layoffs.”

As of now, the number of employees impacted by the layoffs is unclear. TechRadar Gaming has reached out to Blackbird Interactive for comment, and will update the story with any response received.

In addition to the layoffs, last week saw the announcement of the delay of Homeworld 3’s release by a couple of months, from March 8 to May 13 (advanced access will start on May 10). The developer stated that the decision to delay the game came from “careful analysis of feedback” from players.

“To say that you as a community of players have been waiting patiently for this next installment would be an understatement, and we are deeply appreciative of that,” the studio wrote. “We will continue to keep you updated on our progress.”

For those looking for new games to try out, be sure to check out our roundup of the best PC games, as well as the best PC strategy games.