Throne and Liberty Developer Faces Layoffs Amid Restructuring

NCSoft, the South Korean developer known for Throne and Liberty, has confirmed substantial layoffs as part of a broader restructuring effort due to ongoing financial difficulties. This move affects multiple departments and represents a significant challenge for the studio, despite the initial success of its recent release.

Founded in 1997, NCSoft has a long history of developing MMORPGs, with popular titles such as Lineage, Blade & Soul, Aion, and Guild Wars under its belt. The company has established itself as a major player in key markets including Korea, Japan, Europe, and North America. In recent years, it has expanded into mobile gaming, but despite these past successes, NCSoft has been facing industry-wide financial headwinds that have forced it to make tough decisions.

According to a report from South Korean news outlet Yonhap, NCSoft's co-CEOs, Taek-Jin Kim and Byung-Moo Park, expressed deep regret over the layoffs. They acknowledged that the company's financial troubles stemmed from a centralized management structure that placed too much control and resources at its headquarters, which ultimately weakened performance. This approach, they said, stifled the creativity and innovation the company was once known for, prompting a reevaluation of their strategy.

NCSoft Implements Layoffs as Part of Broader Restructuring Amid Financial Challenges

Despite considering various options to address its financial challenges, NCSoft’s leadership ultimately decided that a major reorganization was necessary. This decision mirrors similar moves made by other game studios in 2024, as the gaming industry faces increasing economic pressures. The restructuring includes canceling several projects, downsizing non-essential support functions, and cutting staff. However, NCSoft emphasized its commitment to providing compensation and support for those affected by these layoffs, while positioning itself for long-term survival.

The timing of the layoffs has surprised many, especially given the early success of Throne and Liberty. Released in October 2024, the game quickly gained traction, particularly on Steam, where it outperformed established titles like PUBG and GTA 5. In its first week alone, Throne and Liberty drew over 300,000 players on Steam and secured a position among the top five most-played games on the platform.

The game's popularity extended beyond Steam, amassing over 3 million players across all platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox. This widespread success highlights the game’s strong appeal, making now an exciting time to jump into Throne and Liberty. Despite the current restructuring, NCSoft plans to look ahead by focusing on developing new intellectual properties, with a strategy that includes collaborating with independent studios. This approach is expected to inject more flexibility and creativity into the company's future projects.