Take-Two Interactive cancels projects & launches wave of layoffs

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The gaming company Take-Two Interactive announced extensive cost-cutting measures yesterday, Tuesday. With this efficiency-oriented strategy, the company wants to remain focused on growth despite the current situation. As part of these cost-cutting measures, Take-Two is rationalizing parts of its game development and cutting several projects.

The gaming company Take-Two Interactive announced extensive cost-cutting measures yesterday, Tuesday. With this efficiency-oriented strategy, the company aims to remain focused on growth despite the current situation. As part of these cost-cutting measures, Take-Two is rationalizing parts of its game development and cutting several projects. 

After last week s news of layoffs Take-Two Interactive has now also announced a cost-cutting plan to reduce the number of projects. This “restructuring” will result in a reduction of the 11,000-strong workforce Around 5%, or around 550 employees, are affected. This includes both redundancies and a reduction in future recruitment The costs for these measures are estimated at between 160 and 200 million US dollars. Of this, around 40 to 60 million US dollars are cash expenses.
The cost reductions mainly relate to title cancellations and employee costs. For example, around 120 to 140 million US dollars are attributable to canceled game projects A further 15 to 25 million US dollars are earmarked for the reduction of office space

Take-Two Interactive: Another crisis in the gaming sector?

The announcement follows the recently completed acquisition of Gearbox Interactive, known for the “Borderlands” series. Among others, Take-Two Interactive also owns Rockstar Games, with the highly anticipated GTA VI, and 2K Games, known for NBA 2K and Civilization.

Take-Two emphasizes that the cost-cutting measures are intended to ensure the long-term health of the company. The realignment is aimed at becoming more efficient while investing in future growth.

With these plans, Take-Two joins a long list of other companies in the gaming sector that are struggling with financial losses. These include the Embracer Group, Electronic Arts and even Microsoft. The fatal aspect of Take-Two’s strategy is the suddenness of its implementation. Just a month ago, CEO Strauss Zelnick reported that no wave of layoffs was planned.

The plan is scheduled to be fully implemented by December 31, 2024. Take-Two Interactive expects the measures to lead to a leaner and more agile organization that is better equipped for future challenges. Only time will tell whether the management is right.