Eidos Montreal Faces Significant Layoffs and Leadership Changes
Eidos Montreal, the studio known for developing the recent entries in the acclaimed Deus Ex series, has recently announced the layoff of 124 staff members. This drastic reduction in workforce comes alongside the departure of David Anfossi, the studio’s veteran head, who has held the position for nearly 13 years.
In a LinkedIn post, Eidos Montreal expressed that the layoffs were driven by “changing project needs and impacts across production and support teams.” The studio described the day as challenging, emphasizing their commitment to support those impacted “with care and respect” while focusing on the continuity of remaining teams. This reflects a strategic shift within the studio aimed at adapting to current industry demands.
Several developers have publicly shared their experiences of being affected by the layoffs, including notable figures such as principal character animator Mikael Lacroix and senior AI designer Victor Leblanc. Some remaining staff have also reported that their teams or projects were impacted by the cuts. Producer Julie Rotharmel shared her sadness over the situation on social media, highlighting the loss of many talented colleagues.
David Anfossi’s exit has raised questions regarding the studio’s future leadership. While Eidos’s post noted that the two sides are “parting ways,” specific details surrounding his departure remain unclear. A transition plan is reportedly underway, with further updates expected as new leadership is established. Anfossi has played a critical role in the studio since its emergence, contributing significantly to the success of titles like Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
This is not the first time Eidos Montreal has faced significant cuts; the studio laid off 75 employees in April 2022 as part of restructuring efforts following the completion of certain project mandates. Currently, the studio’s focus has reportedly shifted to support development on notable titles, including Playground Games’ Fable reboot and Obsidian’s Grounded 2, after the cancellation of a new Deus Ex entry in 2024.
The recent layoffs and changes in leadership mark a challenging period for Eidos Montreal, reflecting broader trends in the gaming industry as studios navigate evolving market dynamics. Solidarity is extended to all those affected by these changes as the team at Eidos Montreal moves forward.
