**FuturLab Faces Layoffs After Cancelling Long-Term Project**
In a somber turn of events, FuturLab, the studio behind the popular game PowerWash Simulator, has confirmed the layoff of seven staff members following the cancellation of a project that had been under development for several years. This announcement reflects the ongoing challenges within the gaming industry, where the viability of projects often fluctuates based on market conditions and internal assessments.
Sources reported that the project, which had reportedly been in development for two to three years, was announced to be cancelled by CEO Kirsty Rigden back in June 2026. Staff working on the project were allegedly in limbo, with no new assignments handed out for weeks leading up to the layoffs, creating a troubling atmosphere as uncertainty loomed over the team.
During a company meeting held the previous month, COO Chris Mehers communicated to the workforce that the studio was entering a redundancy process. In a somewhat controversial decision, staff members were advised to avoid the term “redundancy” when discussing the layoffs, opting instead for the euphemism “the leavers.” This approach raised eyebrows among employees, as it seemed to add an emotional layer to an already disheartening situation.
Mehers sought to assure the team that these layoffs were strictly connected to the cancelled project and would not impact the ongoing work on PowerWash Simulator 2. However, it was noted that management and team leads were not involved in the decision-making process regarding who would be laid off, intended to shield them from any associated guilt. This separation of decision-making from management also aimed to alleviate stress related to job security during the notification period.
In a statement addressing the layoffs, Rigden confirmed that the project was deemed financially unfeasible, stating, “Continuing with it wouldn’t have been a sensible decision.” The studio’s commitment to PowerWash Simulator 2 and its exploration of new gaming concepts remain intact, and Rigden expressed appreciation for the talent and dedication of the departing staff members, emphasizing the difficulty and necessity of these decisions for the company’s future stability.
Despite the rationale provided by leadership, the situation underscores the often harsh realities of game development, where decisions can abruptly alter the lives of dedicated employees. The solidarity of the gaming community remains with those affected as they navigate this challenging transition.
