Zau Studio sends duplicate notices to employees for funding.

A company that developed multimedia Kenjera Story: Jau Due to funding issues, the entire gaming staff has been notified of layoffs. Despite praise from critics, Kenjera Story: Jau It hasn't performed well financially, and it looks like the developer's job may be in jeopardy due to lack of funding for the studio's next project.

Developed by Surgent Studios Kenjera Story: Jau was released in early 2024. A Metroidvania platformer, the game follows Zau's quest to resurrect his father, and the title features a deep and emotional story, fast-paced action, and inspiration from African mythology. Unfortunately, despite averaging 76 positive reviews on OpenCritic, the game did not sell very well and Surgent Studios laid off over a dozen employees in July.

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Now Surgent Studios' financial situation doesn't seem to be improving. The company recently posted a message on social media claiming that operations in its gaming division were being disrupted. According to the studio, layoff notices were also issued to the entire team. The studio was working on a “bold new project” that it called “darker, edgier and more visceral.” Kenjera Story: JauBut the company now needs funding to continue. That's definitely sad news. Kenjera Story: Jau It was one of the best metroidvania games coming out in 2024.

Surgent Studios employees receive layoff notices

As of now, little is known about Surgent Studios' next game. Considering the developer's experience with Metroidvania games, it's possible that their next title will fall into the same genre, if it gets funded and completed. However, this announcement suggests a significant change in tone compared to before. Kenjera Story: JauA heartfelt story.

Unfortunately, 2023 and 2024 have been tough years for the gaming industry with continued layoffs plaguing several companies. In February, Embracer Group laid off nearly 8,000 employees, Unity Technologies laid off 2,900 employees and Microsoft laid off 2,880 employees. This situation has affected many major companies, including Electronic Arts, Sony, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Riot Games, Sega, Ubisoft, and more. This problem shows no signs of slowing down, and is becoming a huge problem even for smaller studios. While we hope Surgent Studios can secure the funding needed for its next game, it's currently impossible to say when the current crisis in the gaming industry will end.

The grieving boy begins to read Bantu tales written by his late father. Venture into the beautiful and dangerous land of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman who makes a deal with the god of death to bring his baba back from the darkness. With your cosmic strength and unparalleled courage, you advance into unknown and mythical lands. Kenzera, once teeming with life, is now filled with the spirits of lost ancestors. As Zau advances toward his goal, three powerful beings await. The power is terrifying, yet somehow strangely familiar. Would you like to receive a shaman’s dance?

Embark on a heartbreaking single-player story based on actor Abubakar Salim's experience with grief, and discover how love gives us the courage to keep going after devastating loss. Wield the power of the sun and moon, defeat restless spirits in rhythmic battle and become a worthy Nganga, or spiritual healer. Discover a rich universe filled with untold knowledge of chaos and order and travel through mystical 2.5D realms filled with color and depth, emboldened by enchanting original music from multi-award-winning composer Nainita Desai.

released

April 23, 2024

developer

Sergeant Studio

publisher

electronic arts

engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

E10+ for everyone 10+ due to fantasy violence

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

Open Criticism Evaluation

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