Phoenix Labs Lays Off Majority of Staff Following Years of Turmoil

The Dauntless and Fae Farm developer faces uncertainty after controversial updates, canceled projects, and blockchain-related challenges under Forte Labs ownership.

Phoenix Labs announced layoffs impacting the majority of its staff, with speculation from former employees suggesting a potential studio closure.
The layoffs follow a series of challenges, including canceled projects, restructuring, and a poorly received update to Dauntless in December 2024.
The December update for Dauntless introduced controversial monetization changes and reset player progress, leading to overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam.
Since its acquisition by blockchain company Forte Labs in 2023, Phoenix Labs has faced secrecy, layoffs, and pressure to explore blockchain integration, though no such projects were publicly announced.
The future of Phoenix Labs' games, Dauntless and Fae Farm, remains uncertain, with the company promising updates in the coming weeks.