Goodbye Volcano High Developer KO_OP Lays Off 13 Staff Members Following Funding Shortfall

Developer KO_OP, known for titles such as GNOG and Goodbye Volcano High, has announced that 13 staff members are being laid off. The reduction comes less than two weeks after the launch of the studio's latest title, Young Suns. In a public statement, the studio explained that project funding has historically come from publishers and platform partners over its nearly decade and a half of operation.

The studio pointed to radical changes in the games funding landscape over recent years. Unlike previous project cycles, KO_OP was unable to secure funding for new projects while simultaneously developing current engagements. According to the studio, the operational decision was made democratically to prioritize survival rather than maximizing profits. Team leads and elected executives are also impacted by these reductions.

KO_OP stated that members were kept informed of the cash flow situation in advance and appointed a group to plan for the eventuality. The studio plans to develop new game concepts and prototypes while continuing to support Young Suns. If funding is secured in the coming months, the studio intends to rehire as many of the affected colleagues as possible.