Ethan Crossfield 
Game industry layoffs have continued to affect studios across major publishers in 2026, even when recent releases have performed well. Sucker Punch Productions, the Sony-owned team behind Ghost of Yotei, has reportedly joined that list, with a former employee indicating that roughly 26 people have lost their jobs.
A successful release has not prevented cuts
Ghost of Yotei launched in October 2025 to strong critical reception and an impressive opening sales period. The game sold 3.3 million copies in its first 32 days, surpassing the pace set by Ghost of Tsushima over the same window. By its first anniversary, however, Alinea Analytics reported 5.4 million units sold, below the 7 million copies Ghost of Tsushima reached in its first year. The source describes Yotei as financially successful for Sony and Sucker Punch, but not as commercially large as its predecessor.
Studio leadership reportedly addressed employees
The reported layoffs were accompanied by an internal message from studio leadership that characterized the day as difficult. The affected roles and departments have not been identified publicly. According to the report, Sucker Punch is offering support to impacted staff and intends to share more information about the studio's direction next week. Until the company provides a formal public breakdown, the scope beyond the reported number of affected employees remains unclear.
Ghost of Yotei continues to receive support
The news arrives after Sucker Punch marked the game's first anniversary with a substantial Complete Edition. That release added the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion, the Most Wanted mode, and several quality-of-life improvements. Ghost of Yotei remains available only on PlayStation 5, unlike Ghost of Tsushima, which began on PlayStation 4 before later expanding to PS5 and PC. Sony has remained committed to not bringing Yotei to PC following the Complete Edition's October 1 launch.
Another difficult year for game development
Sucker Punch's reported cuts fit into a broader period of closures and workforce reductions across the industry. Microsoft has carried out multiple rounds of layoffs among first-party teams, including Halo Studios, while EA recently announced BioWare's closure and the cancellation of Mass Effect Universe. Those events have intensified concern among players and developers about the stability of major studio employment.
Key points
- A former employee reportedly said around 26 Sucker Punch staff were let go.
- Ghost of Yotei sold 3.3 million copies during its first 32 days.
- Alinea Analytics reported 5.4 million sales by the game's first anniversary.
- The Complete Edition added Echoes of Sekigahara and the Most Wanted mode.
Ghost of Yotei and Ghost of Tsushima sales comparison
| Game | Confirmed sales milestone | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost of Yotei | 3.3 million in 32 days | Ahead of Tsushima over the same period |
| Ghost of Yotei | 5.4 million by one year | Below Tsushima's first-year total |
| Ghost of Tsushima | 7 million in one year | Higher first-year total |
Expert View
The reported reduction shows that acclaim and profitable sales do not necessarily protect teams from restructuring, particularly when publishers measure sequels against the long-term reach of earlier hits. For Ghost of Yotei's community, the immediate concern is whether continued support and future franchise plans change after Sucker Punch explains its next steps. Its PS5-only status also leaves Sony with a smaller addressable audience than Ghost of Tsushima ultimately had across PlayStation and PC.
