esports

Refactor Games lays off 85% of staff after Netflix’s FIFA World Cup game launch

Refactor Games cut 85% of its workforce — roughly 80 people — two months after Netflix released FIFA World Cup Launch Edition in June. Co-owner Delphi Interactive pulled funding after the launch, and affected employees were notified on July 31 and received no severance pay, with their last day coinciding with a company payday. The cloud game features all 48 tournament teams, 1,238 players and 16 stadiums, received poor reviews, yet Netflix described it as one of its most successful cloud-game launches without providing metrics.

• Refactor Games laid off about 85% of staff (approximately 80 employees) and notified affected workers on July 31.
• Delphi Interactive, a co-owner of Refactor Games, withdrew funding after the game’s June launch.
• FIFA World Cup Launch Edition supports up to four players on TV or computer and includes 48 teams, 1,238 players and 16 stadiums.
• The game received poor critical reviews while Netflix called it one of its most successful cloud-game launches but did not disclose performance metrics.