Crysis 4 ‘On Hold’ as Developer Crytek Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 60 Staff

Crytek, facing challenging market conditions, announces layoffs impacting 60 employees, approximately 15% of its 400-person workforce. The decision, announced via a tweet and statement from founder Avni Yerli, follows the postponement of Crysis 4 development in late 2024 and efforts to consolidate resources around the growing Hunt: Showdown.

Despite Hunt: Showdown's continued success, Crytek cited unsustainable financial practices as the reason for the layoffs, stating that cost-cutting measures proved insufficient. Affected employees will receive severance packages and career support.

Yerli's full statement emphasizes Crytek's commitment to Hunt: Showdown's ongoing development and expansion, as well as continued investment in its CRYENGINE technology. The announcement clarifies that the layoffs impact both development teams and shared services.

The news follows the previously unannounced cancellation of a battle royale-inspired Crysis project, codenamed Crysis Next, which was scrapped in favor of Crysis 4, officially announced in January 2022. Crysis 4's indefinite postponement highlights the financial pressures faced by the company.

The Crysis franchise, renowned for its visually stunning graphics and demanding system requirements, has a significant legacy in the gaming world. The original Crysis (2007) became a benchmark for PC performance, giving rise to the popular phrase "But can it run Crysis?" While Crysis 3 was released in 2013, and remasters of earlier titles have been released, substantial updates regarding Crysis 4 have been absent until now.