Scopely, the parent company of Pokémon Go maker Niantic, has made a surprise move in the world of VR and XR gaming. The company has reorganized the team behind Stumble Guys, a popular multiplayer party knockout game, affecting a small number of employees. According to a statement from Scopely, this decision was made as part of a regular review process to ensure the best possible experience for players.
The news comes on the heels of a LinkedIn post by a senior producer at Scopely, who revealed that they had been laid off due to “structure changes in multi-billion dollar companies” – their second time around. The producer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their personal story about being let go just after returning from paternity leave, highlighting the emotional toll of such decisions on employees.
But this is not an isolated incident. Yesterday, three other high-profile departures were announced: a senior manager of talent programs and learning development, a director of product management, and a level designer. While some have left immediately, others will stay until August. The level designer’s departure post hints at a promising new opportunity for experienced game designers to shape the future of Stumble Guys.
This reorganization may seem like a minor shake-up, but it has significant implications for Scopely’s presence in the VR and XR gaming market. As one of the largest players in the industry, with a valuation of over $15 billion, Scopely’s decisions send ripples through the community. The company’s recent acquisition of Niantic and its subsequent majority stake in Loom Games have raised eyebrows among gamers and investors alike.
The controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Scopely, is another aspect to consider. PIF has been linked to human rights concerns and abuse allegations in the kingdom, including Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s involvement in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This criticism has resurfaced during recent White House visits.
The Stumble Guys team reorganization might seem like a business-as-usual move for Scopely, but it highlights the complexities and challenges facing VR and XR gaming companies today. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to keep an eye on these developments and their potential impact on player experiences and developer livelihoods.
The future of VR and XR gaming is looking bright, with innovative titles like Stumble Guys pushing the boundaries of immersive entertainment. However, behind-the-scenes changes like Scopely’s reorganization serve as a reminder that even in this rapidly growing industry, decisions have real-world consequences for employees and players alike.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-16