Bloodlines 2 Developer Studio Undergoes Mass Layoffs Amid Industry Challenges

Mass Layoffs at The Chinese Room During Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Development

Recently, the British game studio The Chinese Room, which is currently working on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, announced significant layoffs. Although the company did not issue an official statement, multiple former employees have shared news of the cuts on professional networking platforms. The news has stirred concern among fans and industry watchers alike.

Details of the Staff Reductions

Among those affected are notable team members such as VFX artist Jamie Berry, technical producer Pascal Siddons, 3D animator Bradley Adams, and environment artist Adam Sharp. Several insiders confirm that the layoffs extended beyond these individuals, impacting numerous other talented professionals within the studio. The specifics of the layoffs remain undisclosed, but the widespread nature indicates a broader shift within the company.

Publisher’s Response and Project Timeline

In response to inquiries from industry media, Paradox Interactive, the publisher of Bloodlines 2, confirmed that layoffs had occurred. However, they assured fans that the development process remains on track, and the game’s release is still scheduled for October 2025. This reassurance aims to maintain confidence among backers and players eagerly awaiting the game’s launch.

Underlying Industry and Corporate Challenges

The layoffs are likely a consequence of ongoing financial and strategic issues within Sumo Group, the parent company of The Chinese Room. Sumo Group faced a significant restructuring earlier in 2024, including a reduction of approximately 15% of its workforce and the closure of Timbre Games, one of its subsidiaries. These measures reflect the broader economic pressures affecting the gaming industry.

Strategic Shift Toward Outsourcing

In February 2025, Sumo Group announced a major pivot to focus primarily on providing outsourcing services for other game developers. This strategic decision has led to further changes in staffing and project priorities across its studios, including The Chinese Room.

Development History of Bloodlines 2

The development of Bloodlines 2 has been turbulent since it was taken over by The Chinese Room in 2021 after Paradox Interactive reclaimed the project from Hardsuit Labs. The game has experienced multiple delays, with the most recent shift moving the release date from summer to October 2025, emphasizing the challenges faced along the way.

Additional Insights and Creative Direction

Earlier reports highlighted that the game would feature only vampire-themed romances, a decision that has garnered mixed reactions. The creative director of the project expressed dissatisfaction with this direction, hinting at complex narrative choices and thematic focus areas.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.