Ghost of Yotei studio Sucker Punch reportedly lays off at least 26 staff

Sucker Punch Productions, the Sony-owned studio behind Ghost of Yotei, has reportedly laid off at least 26 people.

Aftermath broke the news, citing an unnamed former Sucker Punch employee. Sony and the studio haven't publicly confirmed the cuts.

Push Square notes the studio is estimated to employ roughly 230 people, which would put the reported layoffs at a significant chunk of the team.

According to the report, management told the staff who remain, "We did not make this decision lightly." Eurogamer's coverage says the cuts were made "after carefully observing the challenges in the market".

The timing is tough to square with how Ghost of Yotei did. Polygon points out the layoffs hit despite the PS5 exclusive's high sales and critical acclaim, and IGN notes they arrive just a little over a year after the game's release.

Sucker Punch is the studio behind the Sly Cooper series, Infamous, Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei. Reports say leadership is now preparing for the studio's next PlayStation project.

That project hasn't been announced, and no details have been shared about which teams or roles were affected.