About Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is developed by Iron Galaxy, a studio founded in 2008. Known for their work on ports and original games, Iron Galaxy has gained recognition for titles like Apex Legends and Divekick. The company has over 200 employees across offices in Chicago, Orlando, and Nashville.
Current Challenges and Layoffs
Iron Galaxy is laying off an unknown number of employees as they struggle to adapt to the changing landscape of the videogames industry. This decision follows a previous round of layoffs in February, which saw 66 job losses described as a "last resort." The studio's leadership acknowledges that sustaining their previous team size has become impossible given current market conditions.
According to Iron Galaxy, "Since we first got started, we have taken on many different forms as a company." They emphasize that the industry has evolved significantly, especially since 2020, and that many have been waiting for business to return to normal. However, the company is now accepting these changes as permanent.
Industry Changes and Future Outlook
Iron Galaxy's update suggests that player consumption of games and publisher investment criteria have shifted. The studio recognizes that these changes have affected all their partners. As they navigate this new reality, Iron Galaxy must make difficult decisions regarding their direction as a company.
Co-CEO Adam Boyes has expressed a cautious stance on the integration of generative AI into their workflow, stating, "if AI enters our workflow, it's only a tool to benefit those experienced professionals in the earliest phases of ideation." This perspective reflects a broader skepticism regarding the role of AI in the industry.