Sponsored By

Following Activision Blizzard layoffs, King shuts down mobile studio Z2Live

Following the Activision Blizzard layoffs hitting employees today, King’s mobile game studio Z2Live is shutting down, resulting in the loss of 78 jobs.

Game Developer, Staff

February 12, 2019

1 Min Read
Game Developer logo in a gray background | Game Developer

Following the Activision Blizzard layoffs hitting employees today, VentureBeat reports that King’s mobile game studio Z2Live is shutting down, resulting in the loss of 78 jobs.

King, best known for Candy Crush Saga, was acquired by Activision Blizzard for ~$6 billion in 2015, the same year it acquired Seattle-based Z2Live for $45 million.

Z2Live was known for developing the mobile games MetalStorm: Online and Battle Nations

The publisher didn't comment on any specific layoffs during its earnings call with investors, saying instead that it expects around 800 (8 percent) of its staff to be laid off. 

The studio was likely shut down for the same reason that Activision Blizzard is laying off so many people: the company says it must focus on its core franchises, despite the fact that Z2Live generated an estimated $200 million over the last few years. 

If you or someone you know has been affected by this closure, you can email Gamasutra to share your story confidentially.

Additionally, an updated document of studios currently hiring can be found here. 

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like