Maximum Entertainment Lays Off Merge Games Staff, Shuts Down Chelford Studio in 'Consolidation Strategy'

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Merge Games cut staff over the weekend and closed its only office based in Chelford, England.

The studio is part of Maximum Entertainment and, in a statement, Gaming IndustryCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cristina Seelye explained that the cuts were part of previously announced consolidation plans. At the time of writing, it is unknown how many developers have been affected by the layoffs.

“We have made the difficult but necessary decision to take further cost-cutting measures, which unfortunately include staff layoffs,” he said.

Merge Portfolio to be Integrated into Maximum Entertainment

As a publisher, Merge has released Spirit of the North (and its upcoming sequel), Spirit tea, and physical versions for The Wonderworker, among others. Its remaining portfolio will presumably be integrated into Maximum, and it is currently unclear whether Merge still exists as a separate entity.

In 2023, the parent company Zordix has relaunched its gaming division as Maximum Entertainment. Earlier this year, various subsidiaries (such as Merge, Modus Studiesand Maximum Games) were unified under the name Maximum.

Concluding his statement, Seelye noted that Maximum has a “comprehensive and competitive roadmap” for 2024 and “must…enter 2025 stronger and leaner to continue to deliver at its best.”

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