Ustwo Games CEO Maria Sayans recently stirred conversation with her candid remarks about the industry's employment practices during an interview at London Games Fest. She stated, "We've been a little bit too romantic about the idea that we should have employees and give people long-term job security," reflecting on the unsustainable state of Ustwo Games and the broader industry. This perspective resonates deeply with many in the gaming community, highlighting the ongoing struggle for job security amid rising development costs.

The studio, known for the acclaimed **Monument Valley 3**, currently employs just under 30 people, with a peak development team of around 40 for this title. Ustwo has faced significant financial challenges, producing games with budgets ranging from £7 million to £10 million. Sayans emphasized that to remain viable, the studio needs to adjust its strategy, particularly after the disappointing performance of **Monument Valley 3** on mobile platforms, which no longer provide a solid foundation for long-term growth.

About Monument Valley 3

**Monument Valley 3** is developed by Ustwo Games and is available on PC. The studio aims to create engaging singleplayer experiences, looking to expand the potential of the Monument Valley IP for PC and consoles.

Future Employment Strategies

Sayans expressed frustration with the industry's reliance on contractors, stating, "I think going forward, we'll see that we've got a core team and any growth will come through contractors, which is something I hate about the industry"

We'll see that we've got a core team and any growth will come through contractors, which is something I hate about the industry.

Maria Sayans, CEO of Ustwo Games
. This shift signals a move away from long-term employment towards a more flexible workforce, which she acknowledges may not be popular but is deemed necessary for sustainability.

Financial Challenges and Game Pricing

The financial landscape for Ustwo Games has prompted a reevaluation of their pricing strategies. Sayans noted, "Pricing [a game] too low is playing with the sustainability of the team, right? So, if in doubt, price it a little bit higher because you can always discount later." This approach aims to safeguard the studio's financial health while acknowledging that it may not sit well with players.

What This Means for Players

The shift in employment strategy and pricing may lead to a different kind of experience for players. While Ustwo aims to create meaningful singleplayer experiences, the reliance on contractors could affect the consistency and quality of future titles. Additionally, higher game prices may create a barrier for some players, potentially impacting the accessibility of their games.

As the industry grapples with these challenges, many players will be watching closely to see how **Monument Valley 3** and Ustwo's future projects adapt. The upcoming focus on PC and console experiences could represent a significant turning point for the studio, particularly if they can successfully leverage the Monument Valley IP in new ways.