Ghost of Yōtei developer reportedly lays off 24 employees

Sucker Punch Productions has reportedly laid off 24 employees despite commercial success of Ghost of Yōtei

Sucker Punch Productions, the studio behind Ghost of Yōtei and Ghost of Tsushima, has reportedly laid off 24 employees despite the commercial success of its latest game.

According to a report by Aftermath, the PlayStation-owned developer has reduced its workforce by approximately 10–12%. The studio reportedly employed around 200 people, although some estimates place its headcount closer to 230.

Aftermath reviewed an email sent by studio leadership to employees explaining the decision. “After carefully observing the challenges in the market and reviewing the team needs for our next project, we've decided to make some staffing reductions,” the studio said.

The email acknowledged the impact on affected employees, adding, “We know this is a lot to take in, and we want to assure you that we did not make this decision lightly.”

The studio also said it had worked to support departing colleagues during the transition. Further details about its plans were expected to be discussed the following week.

The reported layoffs come after Ghost of Yōtei achieved commercial and critical success following its release in 2025.

The game received an 86 Metascore on Metacritic and featured among contenders at several year-end awards ceremonies.

At the DICE Awards in February, it won Adventure Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Character and Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition.

Sales estimates also indicate strong performance. By October 2026, the game was estimated to have sold 5.4 million copies and generated more than $400 million in revenue.

Alinea Analytics reported in June that it had sold 1.1 million copies that year, generating $77.6 million and making it Sony's top-selling first- or second-party game during that period.

Sucker Punch has not publicly identified the next project referenced in the staff email. Since 2020, the studio has focused on the Ghost franchise and its multiplayer modes, having previously developed the Sly Cooper and Infamous series. Its latest release is the Ghost of Yōtei expansion.