Last Sentinel developer Lightspeed LA conducts layoffs, 80 roles reportedly cut

Tencent-owned Lightspeed LA has undergone layoffs as it “shifts the creative and development direction” of its debut title, Last Sentinel.

Bloomberg reports that 80 employees were let go.

“Because of this shift, some roles at the studio will be affected,” the developer stated, adding that it “remains open and continues to build games.”

“We are treating affected team members with compassion and respect, offering comprehensive support and where possible the opportunity to transfer internally.

“Lightspeed’s long-term commitment to North America remains unchanged. North America is a cornerstone of our global gaming strategy, and we will continue to invest in local talent, creative expertise and development across the region.”

Based in Irvine, California, Lightspeed LA launched in 2020 under the leadership of industry veteran Steve Martin. It is the US-based subsidiary of Shenzhen’s Lightspeed Studios.

Last Sentinel was announced at The Game Awards in 2023 and has reportedly been in production for six years.

Sources told Bloomberg the game has been “delayed several times and had a budget in the hundreds of millions of dollars.”

The publication reported that the layoffs resulted from Tencent allegedly deciding “not to move forward with the project.”

However, in a statement to IGN, Lightspeed LA said it would provide development updates for the game “when ready,” and clarified that it “hadn’t announced a release date at this time.”