Dead by Daylight developer Behaviour Interactive has confirmed a new round of Behaviour Interactive layoffs. The studio recently informed Game Developer that these cuts were necessitated by a significant drop in demand for external development partnerships.

Declining Demand for Mobile and Casual Projects

A significant portion of the studio's business model relies on third-party collaborations. According to a Behaviour Interactive representative, "A portion of Behaviour Interactive’s business has traditionally focused on external development partnerships. In recent months, demand for mobile and casual external development projects has declined."

As the studio wraps up its current obligations, they do not expect a similar influx of work in the immediate future. The representative stated: "As we conclude our remaining engagements and do not foresee comparable opportunities in the near term, we have made the decision to part ways with some colleagues. Those decisions are never easy, and we are grateful for the contributions of the affected employees, who have helped shape Behaviour and support our partners over the years."

A Pattern of Recent Labour Reductions

These Behaviour Interactive layoffs follow a period of intense volatility for the studio. While the company is a powerhouse in the industry, its recent workforce numbers have fluctuated wildly:

  • January 2024: The studio laid off 40 employees.
  • Mid-2024: Less than six months later, another 95 staff members were let go.

The studio had previously seen massive expansion, growing from 575 to 1,300 employees over a five-year period. This growth was fueled by the "remarkable growth" seen across the broader gaming industry during the pandemic era.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Industry Shift

Founded in 1992, Behaviour Interactive has built an impressive resume, including:

  • Co-developing Fallout Shelter with Bethesda.
  • Developing the Ubisoft-published Assassin's Creed Rebellion.
  • Maintaining the massive success of Dead by Daylight.

However, much of that expansion happened during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when global demand for home entertainment was at its peak. As players returned to in-person activities, that explosive growth proved unsustainable.

While the post-pandemic "hangover" is a primary driver for these Behaviour Interactive layoffs, it is not the only cause of the current industry contraction. Many argue that while the shift was inevitable, it is a trend that competent executives should have been able to foresee and avoid.